Don’t Get Burned! FLASH Offers Tips on How to Prepare Homes Against Wildfire   3/1/06
 

As wildfire threatens the U.S. the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)is reminding homeowners of free wildfire preparation tools available at www.flash.org. Visit the website to view a brief animated web video on the proper way prepare for the threat of a wildfire. Each year, thousands of acres of wildland and many homes are destroyed by fires that can erupt at any time of the year. Wildfires spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Wildfires begin through a variety of causes, including arson, lightning, and debris burning. Here are some tips on protecting your home and property. 

Remove

• Dry vegetation, such as dead grass and leaves WITHIN 30 FEET of home
• Tree branches within 10 feet of chimneys
• Branches within 6-10 feet of the ground
• Firewood within 50 feet of structure
• Thick beds of pine needle within 10 feet

Cover

• Chimneys, attic, soffit vents and elevated wood decks with a noncombustible screening of 1/4 inch or smaller mesh

Plant

• Native, fire-resistant vegetation
• All trees and shrubs at least 10 feet apart

• A healthy, watered defensible space of lawn and plants at least 30
  feet around the structure
• A legible and clearly marked street number
A 12 (width) x 15 (height) driveway clearance for fire engines

• Roof covering material with a Class A fire-resistive rating
• Spark arresters in all chimney outlets
Skirting around mobile homes

Maintain an emergency water supply within 1,000 feet of your home through one of the following:

• Community water/hydrant system, and/or
• Drafting site on a lake
• Cooperative emergency storage tank with neighbors
• Swimming pool