Most homes lost in wildfires don’t ignite from direct flames — they’re taken by wind-borne embers that travel miles ahead of the fire front, finding gaps, vents, and dry fuels to ignite.
SAFE SOSS® was developed by a wildland firefighter to help homeowners fight back with science, not fear. This three-step supplemental wildfire defense system gives you practical tools to help block embers, seal vulnerabilities, and defend your property before a wildfire ever arrives.
Step 1: Universal Ember Guard Carbon Filter — fits behind existing vents to help block embers and filter smoke.
Step 2: High-Heat Ember Guard Tape — seals small gaps where embers can collect, like thresholds, vents, or door frames.
Step 3: Twice Over Wildfire Risk-Reduction Spray — connects to your garden hose to coat wood, mulch, and vegetation with a clear, eco-friendly phosphate formula that helps slow or stop ignition and supports healthy regrowth.
Together, the SAFE SOSS® system helps you take control of the #1 cause of home loss during wildfires — wind-borne embers — and gain the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.
STEP 1 - BLOCK
UNIVERSAL EMBER GUARD CARBON FILTER: Helps block embers and filter smoke through a phosphate-infused, activated-carbon filter installed behind vent mesh. Install behind metal mesh with openings no larger than 1/16 inch or building code approved vents. Compatible with most vent types (cut to size).
STEP 2 - SEAL
Heat-Resistant Ember Guard Tape: This specialized, high-temperature tape is engineered to seal small openings and gaps around critical areas of your home — such as (vents, door frames, eaves, and roof junctions) to help prevent embers and smoke from entering during a wildfire.
STEP 3 - DEFEND
Twice Over Wildfire Risk-Reduction Spray: A clear, long-term ignition-risk-reduction coating that can be safely applied to vegetation, siding, and decks. Its phosphate content acts as a fertilizer for plants—so effective that users should avoid over-application on fertilizer-sensitive vegetation.
USE ALL THREE PRODUCTS FOR LAYERED PROTECTION.
UNIVERSAL EMBER GUARD (CARBON FILTER)
Helps block embers and filter smoke through a phosphate-infused, activated-carbon filter installed behind vent mesh. Install behind metal mesh with openings no larger than 1/16 inch or building code approved vents. Compatible with most vent types (cut to size).
Heat-Resistant Ember Guard Tape
This specialized, high-temperature tape is engineered to seal small openings and gaps around critical areas of your home — such as (vents, door frames, eaves, and roof junctions) to help prevent embers and smoke from entering during a wildfire.
Heat-Resistant Ember Guard Tape
This specialized, high-temperature tape is engineered to seal small openings and gaps around critical areas of your home — such as (vents, door frames, eaves, and roof junctions) to help prevent embers and smoke from entering during a wildfire.
Twice Over Wildfire Risk-Reduction Spray
A clear, long-term ignition-risk-reduction coating that can be safely applied to vegetation, siding, and decks. Its phosphate content acts as a fertilizer for plants—so effective that users should avoid over-application on fertilizer-sensitive vegetation.
Get Your Free Hat & Evac Door Hanger
Please email support@safesoss.com with the following information to receive your free hat and evacuation door hanger with checklist:
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A copy or photo of your receipt showing purchase of any SAFE SOSS product
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The link to your product review on Lowes.com
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Your full name
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Your shipping address
Frequently Asked Questions.
Understanding Wildfire Threat
Wildfire doesn’t just burn trees. It targets homes long before flames ever arrive. The biggest threat is not always a wall of fire—it’s wind-driven embers.
- Up to 90% of homes lost in wildfires ignite from windborne embers, not direct flames (Source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety – IBHS).
- During Red Flag wind events, embers can travel more than a mile and land on roofs, vents, decks, fences, and landscaping (Source: CAL FIRE).
- Embers don’t need flames to destroy a home—they get inside vents, cracks, and weak points, then smolder and ignite the structure from within.
Wildfire is a speed event. Most homes are lost hours before the flame front arrives—during ember storms pushed by wind.
How SAFE SOSS Works
SAFE SOSS is a 3-step wildfire defense system designed to help reduce ignition risk by targeting the actual ways homes are lost in wildfires:
| Step | Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 – BLOCK | Ember Guard Carbon Filter | Helps block embers and smoke from entering home vents |
| Step 2 – SEAL | Wildfire Ember Tape | Helps seal ember entry gaps around doors, vents, and roof lines |
| Step 3 – DEFEND | Twice Over Wildfire Risk-Reduction Spray | Helps reduce ignition on wood, fences, mulch, sheds, and vegetation |
These products are temporary wildfire defense tools used during fire season, Red Flag warnings, and wildfire evacuation readiness. They do not replace permanent home hardening but add critical protection when embers attack.
What is the shelf life of SAFE SOSS products, and when should I buy or replace them?
SAFE SOSS products are designed to be purchased, stocked, and staged before a wildfire event.
Do not wait until fire weather, Red Flag alerts, or evacuations — supplies can sell out and roads can close quickly.
Twice Over Wildfire Risk-Reduction Spray
Shelf life: 5 years
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight
Twice Over Spray is designed to be stocked ahead, so you have it ready before Red Flag wind events or evacuation conditions.
Keep multiple gallons on hand in your wildfire kit.
After use:
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Turn water ON and SOSS OFF to rinse the spray nozzle
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Remove nozzle & straw
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Replace original cap for storage
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Keep the original box — store nozzle, straw, and unused concentrate together so your full kit remains ready
Designed to be stored ahead — not searched for during a crisis.
Wildfire Ember Tape
Recommended usable life: Up to 10 years
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight
Ember Tape has a long storage life, making it ideal to keep multiple rolls staged before fire season.
A single roll isn’t enough — build a kit and keep it ready.
Ember Guard Carbon Filters
Install as soon as possible — do not wait for an emergency.
These filters help reduce ember entry and help filter wildfire smoke — even from nearby or distant fires.
Install within 1 year of purchase.
After any wildfire or heavy smoke event, inspect for:
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Soot buildup
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Ash loading
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Signs of embers caught & snuffed inside the filter
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Restricted airflow
Replace when clogged, soiled, damaged, or at the end of a smoke season if heavily exposed.
These filters also improve air quality during smoke events — another reason to install early.
Why buy and install early?
During wildfire season, especially high-wind events:
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Stores can sell out
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Roads and shipping routes close
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Utilities shut down (PSPS)
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Fire agencies & homeowners compete for resources
And most importantly:
Vent filters take time to install — they should not be installed during an emergency.
SAFE SOSS products are home-hardening tools that must be staged and deployed before fire arrives:
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Install Ember Guard Carbon Filters early in the season (or year-round for activated carbon benefits in attics and crawl spaces)
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Store Twice Over Spray & Ember Tape in your wildfire kit so they’re ready when needed
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Deploy tape and spray in the READY and SET phases, not during GO/evacuation
Prepared homes prepare early. Once fire weather starts, it’s too late.
Step 0 – Defensible Space Comes First
Before using SAFE SOSS, every home must start with wildfire basics: defensible space and elimination of fuels near the structure.
| Defensible Space Zone | Distance from Home | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 (Immediate Zone) | 0–5 feet | Keep this area completely free of flammable materials—no mulch, no plants, no firewood, no debris |
| Zone 1 | 5–30 feet | Remove ladder fuels, trim trees and vegetation |
| Zone 2 | 30–100 feet | Reduce fuel buildup and thin vegetation |
SAFE SOSS recommends following CAL FIRE, NFPA, and Ready for Wildfire defensive space guidance.
Wildfire Resources for Step 0
- CAL FIRE Defensible Space: https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace
- Ready for Wildfire: https://www.readyforwildfire.
org - NFPA Firewise USA: https://www.nfpa.org/firewise
- IBHS Wildfire Studies: https://ibhs.org/wildfire
- Watch Duty – Live fire alerts: https://www.watchduty.org
Step 1 – Ember Guard Carbon Filter (BLOCK)
The Ember Guard Carbon Filter helps block windblown embers, ash, and toxic wildfire smoke from entering attic and crawl space vents—the #1 entry point where homes ignite during a wildfire (IBHS).
Size & Fit
- 23.5 inches wide × 11 inches tall × 2 inches thick
- Cut-to-fit design fits attic, gable, eave, roof, and crawlspace vents
- Slight compression creates a tight squeeze-fit install
What It Helps Defend Against
Windborne embers Ash and debris Toxic wildfire smoke intrusion Hidden ignition inside vents and attics
Material
- Activated poly-carbon matrix infused with phosphate fire retardant (spray with step 3 in the “SET” phase of the evacuation as time allows).
- Self-extinguishing design
- Coated in activated carbon for air-filtering benefits year round
- Allows airflow for ventilation while reducing ember intrusion
Installation (Fast & Safe)
- Cut slightly larger than vent opening
- Squeeze-fit behind existing vent cover or behind metal mesh
- Optionally secure with Wildfire Ember Tape, screws, or wire in high-wind areas
- No tools required—cut with heavy scissors or utility knife
Critical Spraying Instruction
After installation, spray directly over the vent filter using Twice Over Spray during the SET phase to:
- Harden fire resistance
- Load vent filter with fire retardant
- Penetrate gaps you can’t see
For roof vents or hard-to-reach areas: Pre-spray the filter before install, let dry, then install.
How Many Filters Do I Need?
| Home Type | Typical Vents | Filters Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small home, cabin, mobile home | 2–4 vents | 2–3 filters |
| Medium home | 6–8 vents | 4–6 filters |
| Large home | 8–12 vents | 6–10 filters |
| Homes with dormers | 12–18 vents | 10–15 filters |
Step 2 – Wildfire Ember Tape (SEAL)
Wind-driven embers do not only enter through vents—they blast into gaps around garage doors, roof lines, siding seams, crawlspace vents, and exterior door frames. If air can get in, embers can get in.
Wildfire Ember Tape helps seal ember entry gaps so embers slide off instead of getting lodged and starting structure fires.
Size & Specs
- 4 inches wide × 35 feet long
- High-temperature fiberglass backing
- Fire-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesive
- Sustained heat resistance: 500°F (260°C)
- Chemical and water resistant (outward side)
Where to Use It
Priority ember-sealing locations: Garage door seams Doggy doors and pet doors Exterior entry door frames Roof-to-wall joints Gable and attic vent edges Soffit and fascia gaps Crawlspace vents Siding cracks Pipe, conduit, cable & AC line penetrations Window trim and frame joints
How to Apply It (Correct Wildfire Method)
This tape is meant to deflect embers and wind pressure, not just cover gaps.
Press firmly along edges to lock adhesive Install at angles or slopes so embers bounce or slide off Example: For a 90-degree corner, tape diagonally at 45 degrees Use continuous runs—avoid “patchwork” Overlap seams by at least 2 inches Can be repositioned during install Edges must be sealed tightly to prevent wind lift
Taping Tip for Evacuation
Before leaving, you may seal your front door or interior garage door last with Wildfire Ember Tape. This:
- Helps reduce ember and smoke entry
- Can act as a tamper-evident seal—you peel it when you return
- Helps reinforce defense during peak ember attack
Leave an extra roll at your door for firefighters to use if they choose.
Storage & Reuse
- Designed for wildfire defense use only
- Single-use—remove after fire passes
- Leaves minimal residue on proper painted surfaces
Step 3 – Twice Over Wildfire Risk-Reduction Spray (DEFEND)
Twice Over Spray helps reduce ignition on wood, vegetation, and vulnerable surfaces when exposed to embers.
How It Works
Uses an ammonium phosphate base, similar proven active fire-retardant ingredients used in aerial wildfire drops to slow or stop the spread of wildfire.
When heated by embers:
- Creates a char barrier
- Helps stop ignition
- Slows or stops fire spread
(Source: U.S. Forest Service Retardant Research Program)
Safe for Homes and Landscapes
Non-toxic Biodegradable Plant-safe Pet-safe once dry Acts as a mild fertilizer for vegetation
Coverage
Each gallon treats 400 sq ft using two required coats (“Twice Over” method). These are general estimates for a typical 2br home to give some idea of application needs.
| Use Area | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Fence line (40–50 ft) | 1 gallon |
| Mulch around home | 1–2 gallons |
| Wood siding or deck section | 1 gallon |
| Shed or small structure | 1 gallon |
| Full perimeter ignition defense | 2–6 gallons |
Application Order (Important)
Can spray ANYTIME in areas that will NOT get Ember Tape
Must spray AFTER tape on surfaces that WILL be taped (adhesive won’t bond to wet)
Where to Spray
Spray anything that can ignite from embers:
Zone 0 (0–5 feet from home):
- Vents (over installed Ember Guard Filters)
- Eaves, fascia, soffits
- Deck boards, posts, and edges
- Door and garage thresholds
- Mulch (avoid using mulch where possible but coat twice over if you have it), wood trim, steps
- Structure or fence connections to home
- Exposed wood or cracked paint
- Nearby shrubs & vegetation
- Corners where embers could collect
Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet):
- Fences
- Planters
- Wood sheds
- Dry vegetation
- Landscaping
If it is wood, vegetation, or another combustible surface and an ember can land on it — it gets sprayed twice over. Do not apply to non-combustible surfaces like natural stone, concrete, stucco, brick, or metal unless they are connected to combustible materials.
Twice Over Spray is designed for porous, cellulose-based, or combustible surfaces such as wood, fencing, siding, decks, mulch, and brush. It is not intended for smooth non-porous materials such as glass, stucco, PVC, concrete, natural stone, vehicles, or windows.
When to Use It
Use Twice Over in TWO PHASES:
| Phase | Use |
|---|---|
| READY Phase | Pre-treat wood, fence, mulch, vents in calm weather |
| SET Phase | Re-spray vents, tape seams, doors, and Zone 0 areas |
Coverage Guide – How Much Do I Need?
| Product | Purpose | Typical Home Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Ember Guard Carbon Filter | Blocks embers at vents | 4–10 filters |
| Wildfire Ember Tape | Seals ember gaps | 2–6 rolls |
| Twice Over Spray | Reduces ignition | 2–6 gallons |
Store everything inside a Wildfire Readiness Kit by your garage door for fast deployment.
Safety, Storage & Reuse
| Product | Reusable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ember Guard Carbon Filter | Yes | Replace after smoke events |
| Wildfire Ember Tape | No | Single-use |
| Twice Over Spray | Yes | Reapply after rain or irrigation |
- Store supplies inside garage during wildfire season
- Keep Twice Over already connected to garden hose
- Keep tape and scissors ready at door
- Stage extra tape + spray for firefighters
- Always replace cap for storage of the spray, do not store with nozzle
Home Compatibility
SAFE SOSS can be used on: Single-family homes Cabins and mountain homes Manufactured and mobile homes Ranches, barns, and shops ADUs & off-grid units Wood fences, sheds, gates, stilts, and crawlspaces
Works on: Wood, composite wood, plywood Fiber cement (Hardie) trim Decking & fencing Vegetation Combustible trim
Not meant for:
PVC or vinyl siding Stucco or stone Glass, windows, or vehicles Interior use
Wildfire Deployment Checklist (Fast Action Guide)
Before Fire Season
- Install Ember Guard Filters
- Clean gutters, roof edges, decks
- Create Zone 0 (first 5 ft clear)
- Stage Wildfire Kit
- Brush Clearance
- Evacuation Plan
READY Phase
- Tape FIRST – vents, garage, doors, roof gaps
- Spray NEXT – Zone 0 + intermediate zone combustibles
- Move combustibles 5 ft from home
- Pack GO bags and documents
SET Phase
- Spray AGAIN – vents, tape seams, door edges
- Close all windows, attic hatch
- Leave hose and spray staged
- Leave extra tape + spray for firefighters
GO Phase
- Seal final exit door with tape
- Leave early while roads are open
What SAFE SOSS Can and Cannot Do
Helps reduce wildfire ignition risk Helps block embers and defend ignition zones Helps buy time during ember storm conditions Helps prepare your home before you evacuate Helps support firefighter triage if staged
It does not guarantee survival It does not replace defensible space It does not replace evacuation It is not a permanent fireproofing solution It must be used early—before fire hits
Legal Notice & Safety Disclaimer
SAFE SOSS products are temporary wildfire defense tools designed to help reduce ignition risk. They do not guarantee prevention of wildfire damage or home loss. Actual performance depends on application method, weather, fuel conditions, and wildfire behavior.
Always follow evacuation orders from fire authorities. Life safety first. Property is replaceable—you are not.
Use at your own risk. Read all labels and instructions before use.
SAFE SOSS® Recommended Fire Safety Resources for Step 0:
(no formal affialiation implied)
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