The threat of wildland fires for people living near wildland areas or using recreational facilities
in wilderness areas is real. Advance planning and knowing how to protect buildings in these areas
can lessen the devastation of a wildland fire.
Learn and teach safe fire practices.
- Build fires away from nearby trees or bushes.
- Always have a way to extinguish the fire quickly and completely.
- Never leave a fire--even a cigarette--burning unattended.
Create a safety zone to separate the home from combustible plants and vegetation.
- Stone walls can act as heat shields and deflect flames.
- Swimming pools and patios can be a safety zone.
- Check for fire hazards around home.
Install electrical lines underground, if possible.
- Keep all trees and shrub limbs trimmed so they don't come in contact with the wires.
- Prune all branches around the residence to a height of 8 to 10 feet.
- Keep trees adjacent to buildings free of dead or dying wood and moss.
- Remove all dead limbs, needles and debris from rail gutters.
- Store combustible or flammable materials in approved safety containers and keep them away
from the house.
- Keep chimney clean.
- Avoid open burning completely and especially during dry season.
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
Make evacuation plans.
- Plan several routes in case the fire blocks escape route.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication plan.
- In case family members are separated from one another during a wildland fire (a real possibility
during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting
back together.
- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After
a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
- Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
For additional information contact: Hillsborough County Emergency Management,
(813) 272-6900 |
