fire danger

After three years of heavy rainfall, huge tracts of Australia are primed to burn this summer. 

We’re being told to prepare for a hot and dry summer and the worst bushfire season since the Black Summer fires of 2019 and 2020. 

So, how are communities in the line of fire preparing and who will come to help them in the height of a bushfire emergency? 

Today, we speak to two home owners who have lived through catastrophic bushfires and are taking matters into their own hands. 

Featured: 

Steve Pascoe, Strathewen resident

Simon Geraghty, Wollombi Valley resident

In this episode of the "Tell Us How to Make It Better" podcast, host George Siegal interviews Sabrina Downing, a survivor of the devastating fire in Malibu, California in 2018. Sabrina’s story was first featured in the documentary film "The Last House Standing".  Sabrina shares the journey of rebuilding her house from scratch after it was completely burnt down.

Sabrina describes the challenges she faced, including the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lengthy permit process, which took 18 months to complete. She explains the intricacies of dealing with her mortgage company and insurance company

The conversation also delves into the measures taken to make the new house fire-resistant, such as using fireproof materials and installing indoor sprinklers. Sabrina shares her husband's experience as a retired fireman and the precautions they have taken to be prepared for future fire threats.

Overall, this episode provides insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by survivors as they rebuild their lives after natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of resilience and preparedness.

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https://homeownersbeaware.com/contact

Here's the link to the documentary film I'm making Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

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A Los Angeles Times analysis found that thousands of short-term Airbnb rentals are in California’s most hazardous fire zones. But the company does not provide warnings or evacuation information to guests when they make a reservations, and some customers say the company’s refund policy adds to the potential dangers.

Today, as climate change threatens so many aspects of our lives, are even our vacations not safe anymore? Read the full transcript here.

Host: Gustavo Arellano

Guests: L.A. Times reporters Ben Poston and Alex Wigglesworth

More reading:

In California’s high-risk fire country, Airbnb offers guests no warning or escape plan

Is your vacation rental in a risky wildfire zone? What you need to know

California fires are burning faster, hotter, more intensely — and getting harder to fight