Protecting Your Home From Wildland
Fire
Every year many families
unnecessarily lose their homes and possessions to wildland fire. These losses
can be minimized if homeowners take the time to become aware of safety measures
to help protect their homes and complete some effective actions.
Use Fire Resistant Building
Material - "The Best Thing That You Can Do"
The roof and exterior structure
of your dwelling should be constructed of non-combustible or fire resistant
materials such as fire resistant roofing, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum,
brick or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling and other
highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals.
Maintain a Survivable
Space - "Things you can do today"
- Clean roof surfaces and gutters
of pine needles, leaves, branches, etc., regularly to avoid accumulation of
flammable materials.
- Remove portions of any tree extending
to within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney.
- Maintain a screen constructed
of non-flammable material over the flue opening of every chimney or stovepipe.
Mesh openings of the screen should not exceed 1/2 inch.
- Landscape vegetation should be
spaced so that fire cannot be carried to the structure or surrounding vegetation.
- Remove branches from trees to
a height of 15 feet.
- Maintain a fuel break around all
structures
- Dispose of stove or fireplace
ashes and charcoal briquettes only after soaking them in a metal pail of water.
- Store gasoline and flammable liquids
in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
- Propane tanks should be far enough
away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area clear
of flammable vegetation.
- Connect garden hose to outlet
at all times.
- Indicate address of property at
all intersections and on all structures.
- All roads and driveways should
be at least 16 feet in width.
- Have fire tools handy such as;
ladder long enough to reach the roof, shovel, rake and bucket for water.
- Each home should have at least
two different entrance and exit routes. Practice escape plans with family
members regularly.
Presented by the La Honda Voluteer
Fire Brigade. (Printer friendly
version)