Wildfire Safety

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Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S. and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Last year, a total of 4,312 structures were destroyed by wildfires, including more than 3,000 homes and more than 70 commercial buildings.

Wildfire Personal Responsibility- Preparing in Advance

  • Complete a home inventory – this will assist in talking with your insurance provider should you suffer a loss due to a wildfire. Consider making a video walk through of your possessions and keep that in a safe off-site location.
  • Sign up for local Emergency Notifications/Alerts
  • Have an Evacuation Plan and a designated meeting place where family members will reconnect after the evacuation. Ensure everyone in the household knows the plan and meeting place location.
  • Know where evacuation centers will be located in your community
  • Have an off-site phone number, (relative, etc.) where family members can check in and provide status information
  • Have a plan and supplies for your pets

Downloadable Resources

Wildfire Safety Tips

  • CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home.
  • REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.
  • SCREEN in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
  • REMOVE flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can
    catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
  • KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
  • Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. DISPOSE of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

 

Local wildfire information

Information about local wildfire prevention, statistics and wild fires in Pennsylvania can be found by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

DCNR Wildfire home page

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Source for Content:  U.S. Fire Administration

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