Texas Forest Service urges homeowners to take precautions
Date: Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Source: Texas Forest Service
The following tips provided by Texas Forest Service can help homeowners better prepare for wildfire:
- Clear dead wood and dense, flammable vegetation that is 30 feet or closer to your home.
- Remove leaves and pine needles from gutters, roofs and underneath decks.
- Trim all tree branches overhanging your house including a radius of at least 20-feet around your chimney and 14 feet of overhead, overhang clearance in your driveway.
- Stack your firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
- Create a barrier between your home and lawn by using river rock or some other nonflammable material. Keep the lawn trimmed to create a barrier to protect your home.
- Plan an escape route and discuss it with your family. Have practice drills and include your pets.
- Check your fire extinguishers. Make sure they’re charged and easy to reach in an emergency. Tell all family members where they are and teach them how to use them.
- If a wildfire does threaten your home, place a water hose on a rack and attach it to an outside faucet.