Home Owners - Are You Prepared for Wildfires?
May 14th, 2008
Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area.
- Contact your local fire department, health department or forestry office for information on fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your
home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.
- Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
- Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
- Post fire emergency telephone numbers.
- Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety.
- Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire, rather than fuel it. Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling. Or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals. Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees. Create a 30-50 foot safety zone around your home Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet.
- Make sure to have adequate Home Insurance.
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