| |
A
Factsheet on Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
A move from an
urban center to a suburb or rural area requires you to rethink fire safety.
First, you must be aware of special fire hazards near wooded areas. Second,
geographic location may create longer response times for fire and rescue
services.
If you live in the
rural-urban interface, the point where homes meet combustible vegetation,
you must increase your role to protect lives and property in your community
beyond the city limits.
The United States
Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice the following fire
safety steps in rural areas. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility
...Fire Stops With You!
Fire Facts about Rural Living
- Once a fire
starts outdoors in a rural area, it is often hard to control. Wildland
firefighters are trained to protect natural resources, not homes and
buildings.
- Many homes are
located far from fire stations. The result is longer emergency response
times. Within a matter of minutes, an entire home may be destroyed by
fire.
- Limited water
supply in rural areas can make fire suppression difficult.
- Homes may be
secluded and surrounded by woods, dense brush and combustible vegetation
that fuel fires.
Tips For Making Your Property Fire Resistant
- Keep lawns trimmed,
leaves raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such as
dead limbs and leaves.
- Stack firewood
at least 30 feet away from your home.
- Store flammable
materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home
at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.
- Create defensible
space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home.
- Landscape your
property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from
spreading quickly.
- Post home address
signs that are clearly visible from the road.
- Provide emergency
vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at
least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.
- Make sure water
sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department.
- Burning yard
waste is a fire hazard. Check with your local fire agency on a non-emergency
number for fire permit requirements and restricted burning times.
Protect Your Home
- Use fire resistant,
protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect
your home. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire protection.
- Cover all exterior
vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters.
- Install multipane
windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large
windows from radiant heat.
- Use fire-resistant
draperies for added window protection.
- Have chimneys,
wood stoves and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually
by a certified specialist.
Prepare Your Family
- Know how to
contact fire emergency services in your area.
- Plan ahead.
Make sure you and your family are prepared for a fire emergency.
- Develop and
practice escape and evacuation plans with your family.
- Install smoke
alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the
batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long-life
smoke alarms.
Providing information for Illinois, Indiana, Chicago and Indianapolis |
|