Home Hardening Reimbursement Program
Phase 1 – Vent Screen Upgrade Initiative
Wildfires ignite homes long before flames arrive.
Wind-driven embers can travel miles ahead of a wildfire and enter homes through attic, crawlspace, and foundation vents. Research shows ember intrusion is one of the leading causes of structure ignition.
One simple upgrade can make a difference: Installing 1/8-inch corrosion-resistant metal vent screening over existing vents.
To help residents take action, MySafe:LA is offering:
Up to $250 reimbursement for purchase of qualifying 1/8-inch metal vent screen material
Limited to the first 50 approved households
Homes must not have been damaged or destroyed in the recent fires
This is Phase 1 of a larger effort to strengthen neighborhood-level wildfire resilience.
How It Works
-
PURCHASE1/8-inch metal
vent screen material -
COMPLETEthe application form
-
UPLOADyour receipt (PDF)
-
IF APPROVED,receive reimbursement
(up to $250).
Funding is limited and awarded on a first-qualified basis.
Applications submitted after Phase 1 reaches capacity will be placed in a queue for possible future phases. Future funding is not guaranteed.
How It Works
-
PURCHASE1/8-inch metal vent screen material
-
COMPLETEthe application form
-
UPLOADyour receipt (PDF)
-
IF APPROVED,receive reimbursement (up to $250).
Funding is limited and awarded on a first-qualified basis.
Applications submitted after Phase 1 reaches capacity will be placed in a queue for possible future phases. Future funding is not guaranteed.
Why Vent Screening?
Research from CAL FIRE, IBHS, and wildfire science partners confirms:
- Embers are the primary ignition source in wildfires.
- Vents are highly vulnerable entry points.
- Properly installed 1/8-inch metal screening significantly reduces ember intrusion risk.
Installation Matters
Screening must be securely fastened, fully cover the vent opening, and comply with local building and fire codes. If unsure, consult a qualified contractor.
MySafe:LA provides reimbursement funding only and does not perform installations.
Important Disclaimer!
Participation in this program does not guarantee protection from wildfire or ember exposure. MySafe:LA is not responsible for installation errors, code compliance issues, or wildfire-related losses.
The MySafe:LA Home Hardening Reimbursement Initiative supports wildfire mitigation strategies consistent with:
- California Public Resources Code §4291
- California Board of Forestry defensible space guidance
- CAL FIRE Home Hardening recommendations
- Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) wildfire research
- NFPA 1144: Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards
- NFPA Firewise USA® risk reduction principles
- Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) structure hardening priorities
Scientific research demonstrates that ember intrusion through vents is a leading cause of home ignition during wind-driven wildfire events. Installing 1/8-inch metal screening is a recognized mitigation strategy to reduce vulnerability.
This initiative represents a structure-level mitigation action consistent with best practices for reducing ignition pathways within the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
