IS YOUR HOME FIREWISE?

Areas where homes meet the wildlands are called the wildland/urban interface. A home in a woodland setting is surrounded by flammable forest fuels. You can minimize a fire threat to your home and family by following a few safety tips.

1 - DEFENSIBLE SPACE

Allow at least 30 feet of space surrounding your home to reduce the amount of wildfire fuel from shrubs, dead plant material, and firewood. This area should utilize fire-resistant vegetation that is healthy and green for most of the year.

2 - FIRE-RESISTANT EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION

 Wall materials that can resist heat and flames include cement, plaster, stucco, and concrete masonry. Double pane glass windows can make a home more resistant to wildfire heat and flames. Although some vinyl will not burn, some vinyl soffits will melt, allowing embers into the attic space.

3 - FIRE-RESISTANT ROOF CONSTRUCTION

Firewise construction includes Class-A asphalt shingles, metal, cement, and concrete products, Additionally, the inclusion of a fire-resistant sub-roof adds protection.

4 - FIREWISE LANDSCAPING

With Firewise Landscaping, you can create defensible space around your home that reduces your wildfire threat. Large, leafy hardwood trees should be pruned so that the lowest branches are at least 6 to 10 feet high to prevent a fire on the ground from spreading up to the tree tops. Within the defensible space, remove flammable plants that contain resins, oils, and waxes that burn readily, such as eastern red cedar, pine, and holly.

5 - EMERGENCY ACCESS

Identify your home and neighborhood with legible and clearly marked street names and numbers so emergency vehicles can rapidly find the location of the emergency. Include s driveway that is at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet to provide access to emergency apparatus.

6 - FIRE-RESISTANT ATTACHMENTS

Attachments include any structure connected to your home, such as decks, porches, or fences. If an attachment to a home is not fire-resistant, then the home as a whole is not Firewise.

7 - LPG TANKS

LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valve to be shut oof. Keep area clear of flammable vegetation.

8- A DISASTER PLAN

The time to plan for a fire emergency is now. Take a few minutes to discuss with your family what actions you will need to take.

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES. Decide where you will go and how you will get there. With a wildfire, you may not have more than a moment's notice. Two escape routes out of your home and out of the neighborhood are preferable.

• Have a plan for your pets.

• Practice family fire drills.

• If possible, have tools available within easy reach, such as a shovel, rack, axe, handsaw, and a 2 gallon bucket.