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Spartanburg County Office of Emergency Management

 

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Protect your home from Wildfires!!

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now - before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to do if wildfires threaten your area. Below are some steps you can use to protect your family, home and property.

Before Wildfire Threatens:
Design and landscape your home with wildfires safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling. Or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL - approved fire-retardant chemicals. Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

Other tips include:

  1. Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
  2. Remove leaves and rubbish from understructures.
  3. Remove vines from the walls of the home.
  4. Clear a 10 foot area from around propane tanks, and the BBQ.
  5. Regularly dispose of newspaper and rubbish.
  6. Place stove, fireplace and grill ashes in a metal container, thoroughly soak with water before discarding.
  7. Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.

When Wildfire Threatens:
If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your local media for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately, and follow your family. s disaster plan and know meeting locations, and routes. Keep an emergency checklist handy, and prepare to evacuate if your neighborhood is threatened. Proper evacuation preparation includes, turn off power, shut off gas at the meter, close all windows and doors, arranging garden hoses so they can reach any area of your house, pack your car for quick departure.