Residents Urged To Take Precautions To Prevent Fire Loss
Release Date: August 22, 2002
Release Number: 1421-40
» More Information on Colorado Wildfires
Denver, CO -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Colorado Office of Emergency Management (COEM) and the Colorado State Forest Service recommends that homeowners prepare their property before they are threatened by wildfires.
"During and after fire strikes, there are many precautions residents can take to reduce the degree of damage and loss," said Steve Emory, federal coordinating officer for the disaster recovery effort. "You can do a lot to protect your health and safety."
"One thing homeowners can do to protect themselves is remove vegetation and combustible materials that may be near their home," said State Coordinating Officer Tommy Grier.
In addition, homeowners can also take the following precautions:
Things to do before a wildfire:
- Remove excess trees, dead trees and shrubs, and highly flammable shrubs. (Removing large trees near your house can be very dangerous for both you and your house, and is therefore a job for a skilled contractor.) Rather than plant shrubs near your house, consider landscaping alternatives such as creating a rock garden.
- Remove leaves and pine needles from roofs, gutters and downspouts.
- Prune low tree branches and mow-dried grass.
- Remove combustible items from around the house, such as woodpiles, patio furniture, barbecue grills, etc.
- Develop a family disaster response plan complete with escape routes and an emergency meeting place.
- Have an emergency go-kit with supplies readily available. This should include prescription medication and back-up eye glasses/contacts.
- Review your homeowners/renters insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage.
- If you do not have flood insurance, consider purchasing it by contacting your local insurance agent.
- Arrange temporary housing outside of the threatened area.
- Make arrangements for relocation of pets and animals.
- Place valuable papers and mementos in your car in case of evacuation.
Things to do during a wildfire:
- Stay tuned to your local radio and television stations for updates on evacuations.
- Seal attic and ground vents.
- Close all doors inside your home to prevent drafts.
- Open the damper on your fireplace but close the fireplace screen.
- Wet your roof and shrubs within 15 feet of your home.
- Notify relatives and local officials that you have left your home and where you can be reached.
- Turn on outside lights and leave a light on in every room. This allows the home to be more visible in heavy smoke.
- Turn off gas and pilot lights.
Things to do when returning home after an evacuation:
- Check the roof and the attic immediately for hidden burning sparks.
- Watch for flare-ups for several hours after the fire.
- Check with local building officials to verify building codes and recommendations.
- Continue building defensible space around your home. For more information go to www.firewise.org.
- Determine the potential for flooding and the need for erosion control.
- Consider mitigation during home improvements or during the reconstruction process. This could include such items as:
- Fire-resistant roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or metal roofs
- Tempered glass on windows, doors and skylights
- Spark arresters in chimneys
- Fire-resistant materials on undersides of decks
- Verify that your driveway bridges and gates will accommodate fire trucks.
- Develop a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). For more information go to http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/CERT/.
- Check with your local fire protection district to see what community-based programs you can join.
- Consider purchasing flood insurance. For information go to www.fema.gov/nfip/answe2d.htm.
Wildfire protection can involve a variety of changes to your house and property - changes that can vary in complexity and cost. Homeowners can make basic changes, but complex structural changes or those involving electrical wiring or plumbing should be done by a licensed contractor.
If you aren't sure whether your house is at risk from wildfires, check with your local fire marshal, building official, city engineer, or planning and zoning administrator. They can tell you if you are in a hazard area.
If you have suffered damages or losses from the fires call FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with hearing or speech impairments may call TTY: 1-800-462-7585.
Last Modified: Friday, 15-Aug-2003 09:39:50