National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is Saturday, May 6, 2017, and state officials are asking Tennesseans to increase their preparedness for wildfires and take extra precautions to make their homes and communities safer.
“Last fall Tennessee experienced several wildfires including the catastrophic Sevier County fire were the result of persistent drought conditions and hotter temperatures meeting with the right weather conditions to cause the worst wildland urban interface fire in Tennessee history,” said Director Patrick Sheehan, of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). “Weather forecasts are indicating warmer and drier conditions for Tennessee through spring and early summer. So, we are asking everyone to be aware of wildfire risks and to take extra care to avoid needless and potentially deadly wildfires.”
Wildfire preparedness begins at home and TEMA offers the following tips to reduce the potential for wildfires on residential and business properties:
• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents 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 or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, 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.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• 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.
• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
Home wildfire preparations should also include planning evacuation and escape routes, putting together a family emergency kit, and having emergency plans for the whole family, especially those with special needs, and pets.
From the Tennessee State Government: https://www.tennessee.gov/news/50161