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Safety tips for dealing with wildfires
Practice wildfire safety
• Do not discard cigarettes from moving vehicles; use ashtrays.
• When pulling off the side of the road, stay off dry grass areas.
• Do not operate all-terrain vehicles on dry vegetation areas.
• Check lawnmowers and farm equipment for properly working spark arresters.
• Properly extinguish fires when cooking outdoors and never leave fires unattended.
• People start most wildfires. Promote and practice fire safety with all members of your family.
• Clearly mark all driveway entrances with name and address.
• Plan several escape routes away from your home both by car and on foot.
Protect your home
• Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Allow a 30-foot buffer of non-combustible material around your home.
• Use non-combustible materials on the roof and regularly clean the roof and gutters.
• Teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher. Install and regularly test smoke detectors.
• Inspect chimneys twice a year and clean them once a year.
• Rake leaves and dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Have a garden hose long enough to reach any area of your home and property.
When wildfire threatens
• Listen to the media or your NOAA Weather Alert radio for Civil Emergency Messages about where the danger is.
• Prepare your family, pets, and supplies in case you have to evacuate.
• If told to evacuate, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
• If evacuating, tell someone you are leaving and where you are going. Drive a route away from fire hazards and listen to public safety officials.
Comments or questions?
E-mail the
Volusia County, Florida.
