Warm, dry conditions can cause fires to start and spread very quickly. Whether it’s an electrical fire, brush fire or wildfire, it’s never too late to start preparing your property for potential fire hazards.

If you live in the country where fire dangers are prevalent, you might already pay attention to red flag warnings and other alerts aimed to let the public know of favorable fire conditions. However, there are many things you can do before those conditions occur.

Prepare and protect your home.

• Have a plan of action if you need to evacuate. Know the route to take and a plan of where to go. It’s best to have two safe routes in your plan in case of an uncontained wildfire.
• Keep your car fueled, in good condition and stocked with emergency supplies (water, food, clothes, flashlight, first aid kit, toiletries).
• Keep your roof and gutters clean and free of clutter.
• Maintain a cleared area, free from brush or leaves, of at least 30 feet from your home or any other building on your property.
• Make sure your drive way and other entrances to your home are clear.
• Install and maintain smoke detectors in your home and other buildings on property.
• Post emergency numbers in a central location.
• Store fuels, medicines and other chemicals in a fire-retardant enclosure.
• Consider installing sprinklers to protect your resident and other buildings.
• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and make sure it is up to date and accurate.

Prepare and protect your land.

• Conduct regular inspections of your property.
• Create and maintain appropriate types and sizes of fire guards around your pastures or crops (if applicable).
• Keep irrigation sources clear of combustible material.
• Park tractors, vehicles and other equipment away from combustible materials such as hay stacks and fuel storage containers.

It’s important to make sure a proper plan is in place no matter where you live. A fire can happen in a split second. Also, make sure all family members are aware of the plan and have easy access to emergency contact numbers. During wildfire season, regularly check the American Red Cross website which lists all active wildfires across the country.

United Country Real Estate specializes in the purchase and sale of lifestyle real estate from coast-to-coast. To learn more about buying or selling a country home, recreational property, ranch, farm or other lifestyle property, visit www.unitedcountry.com.

Sources:

http://texashelp.tamu.edu/005-agriculture/farms-ranches-wildfires.php

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/wildfire#/Prepare

https://www.ready.gov/wildfires