Firefighters Offer Tips on Summer Wildfire Safety

7/6/2010

With the summer wildfire season already underway in many western states, consumers may find it advisable to brush up on ways they can better protect their homes to avoid damage and potentially expensive home insurance claims.

This is especially the case in light of a heat wave that has been felt throughout much of the eastern United States, which will only increase the chance of fire in areas that have received less rain recently.

Given these facts, firefighters from Orange County, Florida are advising the public on some ways they can better protect their homes this summer.

For example, dry brush near a house should be removed, and branches and shrubs should be pruned within 15 feet of any stovepipes or chimney outlets. The firefighters recommend establishing a safety zone of at least 30 feet around one's house to guard against wildfire.

In the event of a fire, the items that are stored around a home can greatly increase the danger as well as the damage and size of one's home insurance claim. With that in mind, items like paint cans and old rags should also be stored at least 20 feet from a home. It is also desirable to keep potential water sources such as small ponds and cisterns well-maintained in case they are needed by firefighters.

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