“ASK KARI”: What advice do you have for those of us who own property in high fire risk zones? 

By Kari Negri, Chief Executive Officer, SKY Properties, Inc.

Hello Kari: What advice do you have for those of us who own property in high fire risk zones? 

Los Angeles is certainly no stranger to wildfires. It seems like a state of emergency is declared each year by the California Governor when there is a major wildfire.

Every year we experience the well-known Santa Ana winds—a strong, warm, dry wind that pushes down from the Southern California desserts out to the coast. We experience these strong winds, sometimes, several times each year, and they bring with them the ability to create highly destructive fires. This year, due to the dry conditions and the low rainfall during 2024, the timing of Santa Ana winds proved a perfect combination of circumstances to fuel the wildfires that we experienced in the Los Angeles County area. This was not the first, nor the last of these events, and they will likely grow in intensity.

So, what can property owners and property management companies do to protect properties?

• Insurance Coverage is Critical. It is essential that all property owners purchase strong insurance for their property. My company, SKY Properties, will not work with property owners who refuse to purchase insurance. This may be the time to evaluate your current plan and see if more coverage can be added and to be sure that your policy is adequate.
• Install Fire Suppression. It is crucial for the building sprinklers and / or fire extinguishers and alarm systems to be in working condition. If you have not signed up for yearly inspections by a professional company who can properly maintain those systems, now is the time.
• Landscaping Maintenance. Be sure to do brush removal and tree trimming approximately yearly.
• Communicate. Communication with your tenants is critical. If you manage on your own, this will come from you. While my company, SKY Properties, has a protocol in place and on-site managers well trained for communicating with tenants in the event of a disaster, not all companies do. Make sure your company has a plan.

 As a courtesy, SKY informs tenants of the following:

• Where to get alerts from the city. Anyone can sign up for alerts through the Los Angeles Fire Department’s website, or through the Watch Duty Application, which has become the most used wildfire safe application in the whole country.
• Other pieces of advice include always keep your car’s gas tank full or your car fully charged so you are ready for any evacuation. Bear in mind that there are often power outages so make sure all electric exits (e.g., garage doors) are guaranteed to be open if your building needs to be evacuated.
• Have a to-go bag packed and a plan in place ready in advance, just in case, and keep a supply of smoke masks on hand.
• Listen to your gut—if your gut is telling you to evacuate before the city orders you to do so, go ahead and evacuate.

Fortunately, SKY Properties has not lost any buildings, and those in evacuation zones have been properly prepared. The Santa Ana wind not only causes destruction by fire, but the winds can blow debris, roof shingles, branches, and even some items that can break a window. Our maintenance crew has been rigorously attending to our properties and necessary repairs. We will continue to serve our clients and their properties to the highest standards to protect them best we can from these horrific events by being prepared as best we can.

By taking these proactive steps, a housing provider can significantly improve safety measures in the event of emergency conditions. Be sure to stay safe, and I wish the best for you and your family.

Kari Negri is the Chief Executive Officer of Sky Property Management and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.  Do you have a question for me?  Please send your questions and comments to me at Kari@SKYprop.LA.