Summer is hot and conditions are prime for more wildfires. Whether you live in town or in the country, preparing for a fire is prudent.
Talk with your family about fire safety at home and on vacation. All fires start small—a candle, a cigarette, a campfire, a firework. Think through your actions and be aware of the conditions around you before you strike that match.
Keep grass and weeds trimmed. Contact your local fire agency about current restrictions on mowing and weed trimming before you start.
Look at your house and property from the view of a firebrand, or ember blown by the wind. Where might you land?
Move firewood away from your house.
Store gas cans and other flammable liquids in a secure location.
Consider enclosing eaves and the areas below decks.
Trim trees near your roofline.
Keep your gutters clean.
Trim trees and bushes around your home and along your driveway.
Prepare a “go” kit that allows you to grab essential items quickly. Start a list of items you would need to gather in the event of an evacuation. Some evacuations last for days, so include such items as medications, toiletries, important papers, external hard drives, etc.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to wildfire prevention that should be our collective mantra!
For more information on community fire safety, see the Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative’s website athttps://rvfpc.blogspot.com/
