Florida and Georgia have been hit hard with drought and wildfires this season. The Mims Fire has impacted 150,000 acres so far, and the threat of fire damage in addition to thick smoke have had significant impact on our air quality, comfort, and even the tourism economy.
But as a home or business owner, you also have to be concerned with the safety of your property, home or office, and foliage. What steps can you take reduce the risk of damage?
Set Up a Safe Zone Around Your Home (or Business)
The greatest threat to your residence or business is ignitable materials in the construction of the building, and close to it. It may be more difficult to address the building materials your home/office was constructed of, but you can improve safety by:
- Clearing any dead bushes, brush, and plant material within 30 feet of your home. This also includes any combustible trash or unwanted items.
- Only keep fire-resistant plants in the areas nearest the building.
- Prune trees, bushes, and shrubs so that dead or decaying branches and limbs are removed, and only healthy growth remains.
Maintain Healthy Landscaping
Keep trees, shrubs, and all vegetation healthy so it is less likely ignite.
- Plant trees with proper distance from each other.
- Remove or limit vegetation between trees that could catch fire and spread it to adjacent foliage.
- Keep plants properly watered (while also adhering to the rules and recommendations of your municipality during drought).
- Use care with grills, firepits, or if you smoke. Observe no-burn regulations during drought.
Have an Emergency Plan
If fire should directly threaten your yard, have or if evacuation is necessary, don’t find yourself scrambling. Have your local fire department phone number ready at your residence or business, and/or saved in your phone. Prepare tools, hoses, and other equipment to address small fire threats. Have your safe destination planned in advance, and multiple routes in case you need to avoid other areas impacted by fire.
Consult Tree Experts
To make sure that all tree pruning and removal is done safely, call on professional tree service personnel to review your property and trimming or clearing needs. They have the equipment, experience, licensing, and insurance needed to keep you and your property safe.