The recent California wildfires have left behind heartbreaking devastation. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed, families were displaced, and lives were tragically lost. Amidst this destruction, one home stood tall, surviving the flames that consumed everything around it. Its survival wasn’t just luck—it was the result of thoughtful design and preparation tailored to local risks.

For Florida homeowners, this story offers an important lesson. While wildfires may not be our primary concern, Florida’s unique challenges—like hurricanes and extreme weather—require the same level of planning and attention to safety. As we mourn the losses from the fires and honor the brave first responders, let’s take a closer look at how smarter building practices and regular inspections can make all the difference here in Florida.

Fire resistant design and building materials contributed to this one house survival in the California Wildfires of early January 2025.

Building for Florida’s Risks

1992 Hurricane Andrew devasted areas of South Florida.

Florida isn’t prone to wildfires like California, but we face our own challenges—chief among them, hurricanes. The destruction caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was a turning point for the state, leading to stronger building codes designed to protect homes from high winds and flying debris.

Today, homes built under these updated codes include features like:

Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors: These can withstand flying debris and prevent pressure buildup that could tear a home apart.
Stronger Roof Structures: Designed to resist high winds and prevent roof failure.
Hurricane Straps and Clips: Reinforcements that help keep roofs attached to walls during storms.
Elevated Foundations: Particularly in flood-prone areas, these can prevent water damage during storm surges.

Homes built after 1994, when these new codes were adopted, are statistically much safer during hurricanes. However, many older homes still lack these essential features. That’s why inspections are so critical for Florida homeowners.

The Role of Home Inspections

In Florida, regular home inspections are vital to ensure your property can withstand the challenges of our environment. Just as the fire-resistant home in California was designed and maintained with its local risks in mind, inspections here can identify vulnerabilities specific to hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat.

A thorough home inspection can uncover:

Weak or outdated roofing materials that might not hold up in a storm.
Windows or doors that don’t meet modern impact resistance standards.
Poor drainage around the property that could lead to flooding.
Structural issues, like aging hurricane straps or insufficient anchoring.

By addressing these issues, homeowners can protect their families, reduce the risk of costly repairs, and even lower their insurance premiums.

Designing Homes for Resilience

Just as the fire-resistant home in California was built with features like fire-resistant siding and tempered glass windows, Florida homes should prioritize materials and designs that defend against local hazards.

Some steps to consider include:

Upgrading to Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors: These provide critical protection during storms.
Investing in a Wind-Resistant Roof: Materials like metal or specially designed shingles are more durable in high winds.
Creating Defensible Space Around the Home: While this term is often used in wildfire zones, in Florida, it means ensuring that trees, debris, and unsecured outdoor furniture won’t become projectiles during a hurricane.
Installing Storm Shutters or Panels: These add an extra layer of defense for your windows and doors.

Learning from Tragedy

The California fires are a stark reminder of how important it is to prepare for the worst. Just as Florida learned from Hurricane Andrew, communities everywhere can take lessons from these tragedies to build smarter and safer.

Florida’s updated building codes have already saved countless lives, but there’s always room for improvement. If your home was built before 1994, now is the time to act. Schedule an inspection to evaluate your home’s vulnerabilities and make a plan to address them.

Honoring the Heroes

As we reflect on the destruction caused by the California fires, we must also honor the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect communities. Their courage and dedication save lives, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.

A Call to Action for Florida Homeowners

The story of the fire-resistant home in California is one of resilience, preparation, and smart design. Here in Florida, we face our own risks, but the principles remain the same. Building with local conditions in mind, staying proactive with inspections, and making safety a priority can save lives and property.

Ask yourself:

Is my home built to withstand a hurricane or other local hazards?
When was the last time I had a home inspection?
What steps can I take to better protect my family and property?

We want to hear from you! How do you think Florida’s building codes could be improved to address our unique risks? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Together, we can push for safer, stronger homes.

Moving Forward

As we mourn the losses from the California fires, let’s honor those affected by building safer homes and communities. Whether you’re in California, Florida, or anywhere else, the message is clear: preparation saves lives.

If you’re ready to take the next step, start with a professional home inspection. At Damngood Inspection, we specialize in helping Florida homeowners protect what matters most. Let’s work together to make your home as safe and resilient as possible.

Contact us today to schedule your inspection—because your home should always be Damngood.