Fire Safety Tips for Rural Residents

Homeowner Information

The Red Cross website offers several resources to help prepare for a disaster.

Create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around your house and outbuildings.
Keep grass, both green and dormant, closely mowed. Space trees wide apart and prune lower tree branches well up from the ground. Keep tall grass, brush, and trees out from under utility lines to protect essential services.
Make sure roads and driveways are passable by wide vehicles in all types of weather and that bridges are strong enough to support heavy water-laden fire trucks.
Make your home address easily visible and include both your house number and street name in your address.
Establish fuel breaks along roadways and between buildings and fields or woodlands.
Keep mufflers and spark arrestors on agricultural equipment in proper working order, and watch out for rocks and metal when bush hogging or mowing.
Monitor hay baling operations closely. Check for hot bearings or hay caught in rollers. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Watch out for sparks when using welding equipment to build fences or repair equipment.
Avoid driving or parking vehicles in grassy areas where tall, dry grass can come into contact with hot pollution control equipment under your vehicle.
Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up. Check with your local fire department to determine if all restrictions on outdoor burning have been lifted.