Wildfires

Before a Wildfire

• A wildfire may happen when family members are in different places, so create a family communications plan.
• Make a Ready kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.
• Plan ahead for your pets. Shelters cannot accept pets due to health reasons, so it’s important to find a pet-friendly hotel or make arrangements with family or friends in advance.
• Plan several escape routes away from your home, by car and by foot.
• Learn and teach safe fire practices.
• Learn your risk. In Georgia, the fire season is during the dry and windy months of February through May.
• Learn about the history of wildfire in your area. For more information about wildfire in Georgia, visit the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website.
• Be aware of recent weather. A long period without rain increases the risk of wildfire.
• Use fire-resistant materials when building, renovating or retrofitting structures.
• Keep leaves and needles off your roof and deck, and clean gutters regularly.
• Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind and create a 30 to 100 ft. safety zone around your home by keeping flammable vegetation in this area to a minimum.
• Trim branches that overhang structures and prune branches of large trees within 15 ft. from the ground.
• Thin a 15-ft. space between tree crowns.
• Remove debris from under decks and porches.
• Clear combustible material within 20 ft. of your home.
• Install spark arrestors in chimneys and stovepipes that meet the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Standard 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)
• Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source, such as a pool or pond.
• Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: A rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket and shovel.