The Voice of Business and Community In Central New York

          Since predictions are going toward a drought this year, due to so little snow, here are a few tips if things get really dry and we are threatened with wildfires. Information taken from Wildfire Survival published by the DOS Fire Prevention a Control.
          A wildfire is any outside fire which is out of control. It can be as simple as a grass or brush fire. It can be a raging forest fire.
          This checklist will help you identify ways to reduce wildfire hazards around your home and property and to prepare your family and neighbors for the event of a wildfire.

A check list for homeowners

Home Construction:

• Build home on most level portion of lot. Roofs & And exteriors should be of fire resistant material;
• Avoid cedar shakes and shingles or treat them with fire retardant material.
• Screen eaves, attic and floor openings.
• Avoid accumulation of flammable material.
• Screen the chimney and stove pipe.
• Remove site-preparation debris.

Existing Home Protection:

• Reduce surrounding wildfire fuels, such as rotting logs, branches, brush and other flammable materials.
• Inspect your homes exterior at least once a year before summer.
• Remove overhanging tree limbs, moss, or pine needles from the roof and gutters.
• Clean chimneys and stove pipes, check their screens.
• Keep storage areas clean and tidy. Never allow rags or newspapers to accumulate. Store flammable liquids in approved containers.
• Maintain a fuel-free area around your home. A large green lawn is ideal. Remove highly flammable plants growing close to the house, especially on the downside or side most exposed to prevailing winds.
• Remove nearby heavy ground vegetation and stumps.
• Do not stack firewood against the house.

Wildfire Safety Precautions

• Develop control plans with family & neighbors.
• Have an adequate water supply nearbyntrol plans with family & neighbors.
• Pre-connect garden hose with nozzle and sprinkler system to access all structural exteriors, including the roof. y & neighbors.
• For a non-pressurized water system, have a large barrel of water and a 5 gallon pail. Have a ladder long enough to access the roof and a round point shovel and mattock.
• For a non-pressurized water system, have a large barrel of water and a 5 gallon pail. Have a ladder long enough to access the roof and a round point shovel and mattock.

Evacuation Plan:

• Develop a standard evacuation route. Make sure everyone knows the route.
• Establish an alert system alarm such as a whistle or boat horn.
• Establish a family meeting point where all members can gather in the event of a fire.
• Have a list of items to evacuate (important personnel papers, photo albums, etc.)
• Know how to shut off the electrical power and gas supplies.