Protect your home against wildfires
Just a few years ago many Creek Citizens were affected by the devastation caused by wildfires. After experiencing one of the driest and hottest summers in recent history the chances for wildfires is extremely high for most of Northeastern Oklahoma.
Applying a few of the following preventive measures can be the difference in putting out a fire before it reaches your house or preventing substantial fire damage. Implementing as many of the following guidelines as possible can help you reduce the probability of damage to your house by wildfire.
Form a defendable space around your home.
Creating a 30 foot zone of fire-resistant space around your home can prevent fires from starting near or spreading to your home. Keeping the grass and weeds cut to less than 4” can prevent the rapid spread of fire and high flames.
Reduce the number of nearby trees.
Remove or thin overcrowded or small diameter trees. Prune low hanging branches from the ground to eliminate “ladder fuels." If you have trees close to your house trim branches that overhang your roof.
Clear wood piles and building materials away from your home and outbuildings.
Keep burnable materials at least 20 feet from your home and outbuildings. Clear all brush at least 10 feet away from wood and debris piles. Although stacking wood close to the house may be convenient if you use a woodstove to heat your home it can also become a volatile source of fuel for a fire.
Keep your yard and roof clean.
Clear leaves and debris from your yard. Removing leaves and other debris from your roof and gutters eliminate ignition sources.
Use alternatives to burning debris.
Instead of burning, recycle or compost your yard waste. This type of burning is often a source of grassfires and typically occurs in the vicinity of the home. Remember people start most wildfires.
Be prepared to respond to a wildfire.
Dress properly during a wildfire. Cotton and wool fabrics are preferred to synthetics. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, goggles, boots and a damp handkerchief to shield your face. Place large plastic trash cans or buckets around the outside of the house and fill them with water. Soak burlap sacks, small rugs and large rags; these can be helpful in beating out burning embers or small fires. If you have a combustible roof, wet it down. Inside the house, fill bathtubs, sinks and other containers with water. Water from toilet tanks and water heaters can also be used.
Be prepared to evacuate
If told to evacuate do so immediately. Account for all family members and pets. Call someone and let them know where you are going. Take valuable papers and mementos. If you have time close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains. Shut off gas at the meter or turn off propane tanks. Turn off pilot lights.
After the fire passes
Check the roof immediately. Extinguish any sparks or embers. Check inside the attic for hidden burning embers. Over the next several hours continue monitoring your home for signs of smoke and embers.
