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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Virginia’s Fall Forest Fire Risk Grows...

Fall Tips:



Fall weather combine with fallen leaves create an increased chance for fire in late October and November in Virginia. Many traditional fall chores can reduce the risk of fire damaging a home. They just take a little time!
  • Clear roof and gutters of leaves, pine needles and any branches.
  • Stack firewood at least 30 feet from the house.
  • Rake dead leaves and clear dead branches from around the house. On flat ground the cleared area should be at least 30 feet in all directions. If you live on a slope more raking will be needed, especially down hill from the house.
  • If you have a gas or propane tank, be sure to rake dead leaves, pine needles and small branches away from it. 30 feet in all directions is a good place to start.
  • Try composting this year. For great tips, check out the Virginia Tech website:
    http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-703/426-703.html
  • Trim all tree branches if they overhang your house.
  • Trim all tree branches from within 20' of all chimneys.
  • Put a hose (100' or longer if possible) on a rack and attach it to an outside faucet.
If there is an emergency, these actions can greatly help the fire department.
  • Clear the view of your house number so it can be easily seen from the street.
  • Remove trees along the driveway to make it 12' wide.
  • Prune branches overhanging the driveway to have 14' overhead clearance.

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