Wildfires
What is the Problem?
·
Hurricane winds caused wide-spread destruction of vegetation in our
area.
·
Trees were uprooted and broken, and left in large tangled piles to dry.
·
This dried fuel creates and ideal environment for dangerous wildfires.
·
Both the size of the downed trees and the way they were entangled will
make fire suppression dangerous.
·
Fires can be expected to be more intense, increasing the danger to
homes and residents not properly prepared.
Additional
Information
·
Everyone in the area will be affected by increased wildfire activity.
·
Downed vegetation can prevent firefighter access to your property.
·
Available firefighting equipment can be tied up for extended periods,
slowing response times to additional fires.
·
Main roadways which now
provide avenues of escape can be blocked by wildfires burning close to the
roadside.
·
Smoke can aggravate health problems and create unsafe travel
conditions.
·
Roofing and siding that has been damaged by the wind can allow fire to
enter your home.
·
Increased fire intensity can break windows that are not tempered glass
or double paned.
Up to a $5,000 Reward for information leading to an
arrest!
What can you
do?
Make your home
FIREWISE!
v When repairing storm damage to
your home, use only non-flammable materials.
v 
Have at least 30 feet of defensible space around structures.
This area should be kept well mowed and irrigated (within limits of any
existing water restrictions.) If you do not have 30 feet, clear as much as you
can.
v Use FIREWISE plants for
landscaping and keep highly flammable plants such as palmetto away from
structures.
v Roofs and gutters should be
clear of leaves, pine needles, twigs, and branches.
v Eliminate all combustibles,
such as wood, propane tanks, gas grills, motor homes, boats, ATV’s, or cars,
from under or near structures.
v Trim all branches up to 10’
and remove all vines climbing trees.
v Install spark arresters on
chimney.
v Driveway should be at least 12 feet wide.
v Use gravel for mulch or keep combustible mulch products moist.
When
fire threatens
Be
prepared!
v Follow directions of
emergency personnel and evacuate immediately if requested.
v Have an evacuation plan for
you and your family.
v Have all your evacuation needs
(papers, medications, etc.) together.
v Plan for your pets.
If time allows:
v Close all windows and doors.
v Close heavy drapes, blinds
or hurricane shutters.
v Remove lightweight curtains.
v Move flammable furniture
away from windows and glass doors.
v Back the car into garage.
v Disconnect the automatic
garage door opener.
v
Turn off fuel supplies at the connection.
v
Connect a garden hose with a nozzle to an outside tap.