New Year, Safer Home: Disaster-Preparedness Resolutions for Ontario, CA Homeowners
As a new year begins, many homeowners in Ontario, California focus on resolutions that improve their quality of life—health, finances, and home upgrades. One resolution that often gets overlooked, yet can have the greatest impact, is preparing your home for potential disasters. In Southern California, fires and floods remain two of the most common and destructive threats to residential properties.
From wildfire seasons that stretch longer each year to sudden winter storms that overwhelm drainage systems, Ontario-area homeowners face unique risks. At ServiceMaster EMT, we help families recover from fire, smoke, water, and storm damage every day. Based on decades of hands-on experience, we’ve compiled these smart, practical New Year’s resolutions to help you protect your home, your family, and your investment before disaster strikes.
Resolution #1: Understand Your Local Fire & Flood Risks
Preparedness starts with awareness. Ontario sits at the intersection of urban development, foothill terrain, and seasonal weather patterns that can increase exposure to both fire and water damage.
Fire risks may include:
- Wind-driven wildfires from nearby open land
- Structure fires during heat waves or power outages
- Ember intrusion from distant fires
Flood risks may include:
- Heavy winter rains overwhelming storm drains
- Poor lot grading or clogged gutters
- Slab leaks and aging plumbing systems
New Year Action Step:
Review local fire hazard maps, inspect your property after heavy rain, and identify vulnerable areas around your home—especially roofing, drainage, and landscaping.
Resolution #2: Create (or Update) a Home Emergency Plan
Many families don’t realize how unprepared they are until an emergency happens. A written, well-practiced emergency plan can dramatically reduce stress and confusion during evacuations or shelter-in-place events.
Your plan should include:
- Two evacuation routes from your neighborhood
- A designated family meeting location
- Emergency contacts (local, out-of-state, and restoration services)
- Instructions for pets and special-needs family members
New Year Action Step:
Review your emergency plan with everyone in the household and store copies digitally and physically.
Resolution #3: Harden Your Home Against Fire
Fire-resistant improvements don’t just protect your home—they can slow or stop a fire long enough for firefighters to respond.
Fire-smart upgrades to consider:
- Clear dead vegetation within 100 feet of your home
- Replace wood mulch near the structure with gravel or stone
- Install ember-resistant vents
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of debris
- Store firewood at least 30 feet from the house
New Year Action Step:
Schedule an annual defensible space cleanup and home exterior inspection.
Resolution #4: Reduce Flood & Water Damage Vulnerabilities
Water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners call ServiceMaster EMT—and often the most preventable.
Key prevention steps include:
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts twice per year
- Ensuring downspouts direct water away from the foundation
- Installing a sump pump or backflow valve where applicable
- Insulating exposed pipes
- Knowing where your main water shutoff is located
New Year Action Step:
Do a full plumbing and drainage check before the rainy season peaks.
Resolution #5: Document Your Home & Belongings
In the aftermath of a fire or flood, insurance claims can be delayed—or denied—due to lack of documentation. Creating a home inventory now can save months of frustration later.
What to document:
- Photos and videos of every room
- Serial numbers of appliances and electronics
- Receipts for renovations and major purchases
New Year Action Step:
Store your inventory securely in the cloud and update it annually.
Resolution #6: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Many homeowners assume they’re fully covered—until they aren’t. Fire, smoke, and water claims can vary significantly depending on policy details.
Common gaps include:
- Limited coverage for smoke odor removal
- No flood coverage for storm-related water intrusion
- Insufficient ALE (Additional Living Expenses) limits
New Year Action Step:
Meet with your insurance agent to review deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limits specific to Southern California risks.
Resolution #7: Upgrade Detection & Safety Systems
Early detection is critical when minutes matter.
Essential systems to maintain:
- Smoke detectors on every level of the home
- Carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
- Smart leak detectors near water heaters and appliances
- Fire extinguishers in kitchens and garages
New Year Action Step:
Test all alarms, replace batteries, and upgrade outdated devices.
Resolution #8: Prepare for Power Outages & Secondary Damage
Disasters often cause secondary losses—damage that occurs after the initial event due to loss of power or delayed response.
Examples include:
- Food spoilage
- Burst pipes during outages
- Mold growth from untreated water damage
New Year Action Step:
Keep emergency lighting, backup power options, and a generator plan ready.
Resolution #9: Know Who to Call Before Disaster Happens
When a fire or flood occurs, time is critical. Searching for help in the middle of an emergency can cost you thousands in additional damage.
Why pre-planning matters:
- Faster response limits structural damage
- Proper mitigation reduces mold and smoke penetration
- Documentation helps support insurance claims
New Year Action Step:
Save the contact information for ServiceMaster EMT – Ontario, CA in your phone today.
Resolution #10: Commit to Annual Preparedness Reviews
Disaster preparedness isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process as your home, family, and risks evolve.
Annual checklist:
- Revisit emergency plans
- Inspect roofing, plumbing, and landscaping
- Update insurance and inventories
- Schedule professional inspections
New Year Action Step:
Set a recurring annual reminder to review your disaster-prep plan.
A Safer Year Starts with Smart Preparation
Fires and floods can happen with little warning—but the damage they cause doesn’t have to define your future. By making disaster preparedness a New Year’s resolution, Ontario homeowners can reduce risk, protect their property, and gain peace of mind.
If your home experiences fire, smoke, water, or storm damage, ServiceMaster EMT is here to help—24/7. Our local Ontario team specializes in fast response, expert restoration, and compassionate care when you need it most.
Prepare today—so you’re protected tomorrow.
