Living in a wooded location can be a dream come true for many. It's wonderfully tranquil, and for people like me, it's simple, it's "green". But along with the beauty comes a frightening reality, lightening strikes or humans can bring wildfire to your beautiful corner of the world. A single wind driven spark can ignite one roof, and the chain reaction can quickly find it's way through a neighborhood. It is vital that you take responsibility for your own property! Take steps now to protect your family and your home.

Access and Visibility

* The roadway to your home should be wide enough to accommodate two cars ( an evacuating car and an entering fire truck) at the same time. It is very important that you clear all overhanging branches and any other vegetation to allow for large emergency vehicles.

* Mark your street sign clearly. Hard to read signs can slow or even halt emergency response.

* Take the time to visually access your home from the street. Can you see your house numbers? If not relocate them for a clear view.

Brush Clearance

* Clear a minimum of 30 to 100 feet of brush, grass or dead leaves from your home. You may need to clear even more area if your home is on steep terrain or surrounded by dense growth. Call your local fire department, it's quite possible they will do a free evaluation and show you exactly what needs to be removed.

* Cut all trees and bushes that are growing against your home. In the past this type of landscaping has been a selling point, but no longer.

* Replace highly flammable greenery with fire resistant plants. This has a two pronged effect. It helps protect your home, and it brings in some additional "green" to your landscape.

Fire Resistant Construction

* If you are blessed with having a home built in the forest interface area there are a few guidelines that will bring you both a safer home and a possible discount on your home owner's insurance policy. If you are remodeling why not take this chance to replace some of what makes your home a possible target. Use non-combustible roofing materials such as tile, fiber cement, clay or asphalt. Metal roofs can be great for flying embers from a wildfire, but many fire depts. have found that when fighting a structure fire in a metal roofed home they provide some addition hazards and are almost impossible to vent in an attic fire. Research this option carefully before you make your choice.

* Enclosing decks/patios is also a great idea. Any place an ember can blow under becomes possible fuel for a fire. Using brick, decorative rock or stucco around the base of the home also provides added protection against a wildfire.

* Residential fire sprinklers can be used in the home if your construction budget allows. What you might possible save in insurance may pay for the additional cost over a few years. But installing fire detectors is a must!

Fire Evacuation Plans

* Remember how important a fire evacuation plan is? Don't plan on staying in and protecting your home. This could cost your life! PACK UP AND GET OUT!!! Garden hoses will be of no value when the power is off! Not even a professional Fire Fighter can battle a wall of 2000 degree flames. * Use a list of important items you want to take with you. Take all prescription medications and other health needs, and have a planned reuniting location for all family members.

* If possible take all your family pets, livestock and feed/water for them during evacuation. Shot records or other vet records should also be taken. You might have a problem boarding them without such information. A "printable" plan is available on this site.

Leave Before The Fire Hits

* It's a good idea to be prepared in advance of a wildfire. If you live in a "high risk" area, you are aware of the possible fire danger. Pay attention to the "fire risk" signs at your local Fire Dept, they can give you a heads up that disaster could be right around the corner. During such times, it is good advise to keep plenty of gas in your vehicles, and park them toward the exit road. Have one place to keep your keys and keep them there!

* Wildfires can move extremely fast so we advise you leave as soon as possible after the evacuation order is given. Follow all the instructions from your Sheriff's or County Emergency Officer. Under their instructions you might be asked to mark your front door to let them know you have gone safely.

KEEP IN MIND, IF YOU FAIL TO LEAVE AS INSTRUCTED YOU COULD BE PUTTING AT RISK YOUR EMERGENCY/ FIRE FIGHTER LIFE, AS WELL AS YOUR OWN! YOUR PROPERTY IS SPECIAL, BUT HUMAN LIFE IS THE MOST VALUABLE!