Fire Safety

 

Fire Safety in light of a Dry Season and Early Burn Ban. 

• Avoid cooking outdoors during this dry season. If you do cook, never leave barbeque grills unattended.
• Place your grill on concrete or your driveway away from your home or any structures.  If using charcoal or wood, make sure that the fire has been extinguished by soaking it with a garden hose before disposing of the coals.
• Remember that there is currently a burn ban no uncovered flame or open pit is allowed. 
• During this time, do not burn household trash or yard waste in barrels. 
• Check lawnmowers are properly working to avoid sparks. 
• Keep your grass and weeds mowed. 
• Cut back or remove any dry and dead landscaping plants or bushes around your home. 
• Clear leaves from your roof and gutters; rake them away from the sides of your home. 
• Move anything that will burn far away from structures— items like firewood, compost piles, brush piles, etc. 
• Have a garden hose hooked up.

Fire Safety Year Round 

• Practice fire safety with your family. If you see suspicious fire or smoke, call 911. 
• Clearly mark driveway entrances and ensure your house number is visible from the street. 
• Plan escape routes away from your home by car and foot.
• Have a meeting place with your family. 
• Have a fire extinguisher and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use it. 
• Notify the electric company when dead trees or overhanging limbs endanger the electric wires.

Causes of Fire During a Dry Season 

• Fireworks 
• Campfires 
• Lawn mower blades can hit rocks, creating a spark 
• Cigarettes thrown out car windows, or stamped out and discarded on dry ground 
• Dragging muffler creating sparks 
• Abuse of matches or lighters

Sources: http://www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/38, http://waburnbans.net/ http://sholland10.hubpages.com/hub/FIre-Safety-Tips-for-the-DrySeason, Amanda Krohn, VP of Membership

Submitted by
Amanda Krohn, VP Membership