Building Resiliently: FIRE
Identify your fire risk and be ready to respond:
- The National Weather Service sends fire weather watch alert messages. Watch for these, and register with your county for alerts or if you are in need of special assistance if ordered to leave your home. Go to http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Wildland-Fire/Current-Fire-Conditions to see if a fire watch is in effect for your area.
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know what route you will take and have a plan for what you will bring. Check-in with your friends and family.
- Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
- Have a plan for your pets and livestock including an emergency supplies kit and know the location of pet friendly shelters or locations to take large animals.
- For a handy summary, review and print the Ready Set Go presentation.
- There are strategies that can lessen fire risk at your home or business. Check out some Design Strategies and Maintenance Strategies.
Consider:
- Ask your insurance agent if the fire-resistant materials incorporated into your home, or your landscaping practices, can reduce your premiums.
- Some rental insurance requires a fire risk assessment. Ask your agent.
- Community wildfire assessments are available from Wildfire Mitigation Specialists with the Florida Forest Service.
- www.FLASH.org has the www.BlueprintforSafety.org program for contractors and builders.
