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Q:
Should I create "defensible space" around my home?
A:
Defensible space around a home protects the structure by reducing
the amount of fuel that can burn around it. This space can
be extremely attractive, employing gravel pathways, healthy lawns,
driveways and other non-flammable components. Draw an
imaginary belt around your home approximately 30 feet wide.
If properly prepared, this area will become a zone of protection
for your home and ignitions will be less likely to occur here. If your
home is on a slope, your belt will need to be wider on the slope
side. Use carefully-spaced Firewise plant materials in this
space and remove pine needles and other vegetative litter.
Q:
When selecting landscaping materials, how do I make Firewise
choices?
A:
Choose plants that are acclimated to this area of the
county. Avoid resinous varieties and look for those with a
high amount of moisture in their leaves. Note that deciduous
trees are generally less flammable than coniferous ones. A
healthy, well-maintained landscape is very important, so be sure
to space plants carefully, prune them regularly, remove dead
leaves and other litter from around trees, shrubs and vines, and
provide the landscape with sufficient moisture. Mississippi's
Firewise plant listing - coming soon.
Q:
Does Firewise have a recommended plant list for my area?
A:
Firewise does not have plant lists for every region of the United
States, but some are posted at
www.firewise.org/usa.
Q:
What roofing materials are Firewise?
A:
Asphalt, gravel, tile, slate, asbestos, cement shingles, sheet
iron, brick, aluminum and steel.
Q:
What are the best things I can do to ready my house for fire
season?
A:
The following are a few of the things you can do to prepare for
fire season:
-
Clear
your roof and gutters of pine needles, leaves and other
debris. Clean up pine needles, dead leaves or other
vegetation that has accumulated against the side of the house
and/or decks.
-
Screen
all outside openings to the basement, roof and/or attic, as
well as chimneys and stovepipes.
-
Mow
the lawn and keep all vegetation healthy and well-watered.
-
Remove
dead limbs from trees and shrubs. Clean up leaf and
needle litter.
-
Limb
up trees with low-hanging branches to prevent a ground fire
from climbing into the upper branches.
-
Store
wood piles and other flammable materials at least 30 feet from
the house.
-
If
you roof is composed of wood shakes, replace it.
Q:
What should I do if a wildfire threatens my neighborhood?
A:
In the event of a wildfire you should contact the fire department
or central dispatch immediately. Close all the windows,
doors and other opening to the outside to prevent sparks from
blowing inside. Locate all family members and pets.
Wear non-flammable cotton or wool clothing. If you have
time, wet down the roof and the area adjacent to the house.
Prepare your vehicle for evacuation if necessary.
Q:
Who sponsors Firewise?
A:
Firewise is sponsored by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group
(NWCG). Members of the NWCG are responsible for wildland
fire management in the United States. They represent the
USDA Forest Service, the Department of Interior, the National
Association of State Foresters, the U.S. Fire Administration and
the National Fire Protection Association. The NWCG's
Wildland/Urban Interface Working Team directs the Firewise
program. In Mississippi, the Mississippi Forestry Commission
is the local cooperating agency, partnered with the above
groups. |
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