Where can I find the original Oakland Firesafe Council checklist?

The Oakland Firesafe Council publishes Guide #15, a two-page assessment checklist for home wildfire hardening. Links to view or open that original PDF are near the top of this page. Their document remains the work of its original publisher. This East Bay Rodent Proofing checklist uses original wording organized for a homeowner walk-around and is not a copy of that PDF.

Can the same screen stop rodents and embers?

Not automatically. A screen that keeps rodents out may still have openings, materials or installation details that are not suitable for ember resistance. Wildfire home hardening also has to protect airflow and moisture control. If you are sealing vents for pests and also preparing for embers, evaluate each opening for both purposes, or ask about materials selected for the specific use.

What should I do if I cannot check an item?

Leave it unchecked and note why. Some items need a ladder, attic access or a closer look at vents and eaves that are hard to see from the ground. Unchecked items are useful talking points for a home-hardening assessment. Do not take unsafe risks to finish every box on the list.

Do I need a professional after using this checklist?

Not always. Many homeowners use the list for seasonal cleanup and maintenance, such as clearing gutters, removing debris near walls and checking garage seals. A professional assessment is most helpful when vents look damaged, eaves or garage gaps are unclear, Zone 0 materials are hard to judge, or you want prioritized recommendations and documentation for next steps.

How often should I walk this checklist?

A full walk-around once or twice a year is a practical cadence for most East Bay homes, with an extra pass before peak wildfire season or after storms, tree work or exterior remodels. Vents, gutters and the first five feet around the home change faster than the rest of the structure, so those areas are worth checking more often.

Roofline and eave openings on an East Bay home protected with metal mesh

Home-Hardening Guide

East Bay Home Wildfire Hardening Checklist

Wind-driven embers can enter small openings, ignite debris and reach concealed areas of a home. A complete exterior walk-around can help homeowners identify areas that may need maintenance, closer evaluation or professional improvement.

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Thursday, July 23, 2026

Use this checklist as you walk the outside of your home. Check off each item for the roof, gutters, vents, eaves, decks, exterior walls, garage, fencing, windows, chimney and the first five feet around the structure.

This checklist is educational and is not an official fire-department inspection.

View the Original Oakland Firesafe Council Checklist

The Oakland Firesafe Council provides a two-page assessment checklist covering major home-hardening areas.

View Original PDF Open Printable Checklist

Source: Oakland Firesafe Council, Guide #15, Assessment Checklist for Home Wildfire Hardening. The original document remains the work of its original publisher.

Not Sure About One or More Areas?

A home-hardening assessment can help organize observed concerns involving vents, rooflines, garages, exterior gaps, decks and other vulnerable areas.

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Tell us what you noticed during your walk-around and we'll help route your request to a local home-hardening specialist.

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Common questions

Frequently Asked

No. This is an educational walk-around tool for homeowners, not an official city, fire-department or insurance inspection. It helps you notice common ember-entry and ignition concerns so you can decide what to maintain, research further or ask a specialist about. Local wildfire rules can differ by city and can change, so confirm current requirements with the appropriate fire, building or insurance authority when you need a formal determination.

Next step

Ready for a Home-Hardening Assessment?

Learn about assessments, Vulcan Vent installation and retrofit options, and ember-entry improvements available through trusted local service partners.

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Also useful if you are sealing openings

Many checklist items overlap with common rodent entry points. Review both risks when you are already looking at vents, rooflines and garage gaps.

Hear Scratching, See Droppings, or Need Your Home Sealed?

Schedule a free rodent entry point inspection and get a clear plan to help protect your home.

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East Bay Home Wildfire Hardening Checklist

Same-week inspections across the East Bay.

View the Original Oakland Firesafe Council Checklist

Walk-Around Checklist

Roof

Gutters

Vents

Eaves and Soffits

First Five Feet Around the Home

Decks and Porches

Siding and Exterior Walls

Garage

Fences and Gates

Windows and Doors

Chimney