Summer is just beginning, and Minnesota is already seeing a record drought season. Here are 5 things you can do to keep your home safe, should there be a wildfire in your area.
- Home Ignition Zones - Limit the amount of vegetation in home ignition zones.
- Immediate Zone: 1-5 feet around the house
- Intermediate Zone: 5-30 feet around the house
- Extended Zone: 30-100 feet around the house
- Landscaping and Maintenance – Trim branches that overhang the home, porch, and deck and prune branches of large trees up to 6-10 feet from the ground. Use crushed stone or gravel instead of flammable mulches in the Immediate Zone.
- Roofing and Vents – Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace any that are loose or missing. Screen roof and attic vents to prevent ember entry.
- Decks and Porches – Never store flammable materials underneath decks or porches. Remove dead vegetation and debris under decks and porches.
- Outdoor Water Source – Ensure there is a hose that can reach any area of your property.
For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s page “Preparing homes for wildfire” www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire and also Ready.gov’s page on Wildfires www.ready.gov/wildfires.