Fire Safety and Property Protection

At this time of year we usually don't have much rain and the ground and trees are dry. This increases the chance of fires. For the last couple of years, we also have been plagued with smokey skies and poor air quality. It's a reminder that we need to be vigilant and do what we can to protect our property.

One of the most important items on your checklist will be what wildfire protection experts call a "defensible space" in order to create the most protection that you can during this dry season. Brush and debris are a hazard at this time of year so using a zone system will help you create a safer place.

Zone 1

30 feet from any structure is the first zone of protection. Remove all dead vegetation, dry leaves and pine needles and remove any branches that hang over your roof.  Clean your gutters and have your trees pruned regularly to keep all branches at least 10 feet from other trees. Remember to clean under decks and keep foliage away from your house.

Zone 2

Within 100 feet of buildings, cut or mow the grass down to four inches or shorter. Remove fallen leaves, branches, cones and bark. On trees, remove branches at lease six feet from the ground.

Smoke Alarms

Make certain that all smoke alarms are in working order.

Fire Escape Route

Have an escape plan in place. Know how you're getting out and review plans with all family members including young children.

We all hope that we never have to deal with fire in our lives but being prepared, will make for the best possible outcome if we do have a fire.