FIRE STOPS WITH YOU
Fire Safety Beyond the City Limits: A Factsheet on Rural Fire
Safety and Prevention
A move from an urban center to
a suburb or rural area requires you to rethink fire safety.
First, you must be aware of special fire hazards near wooded
areas. Second, geographic location may create longer response
times for fire and rescue services.
If you live in the rural-urban
interface, the point where homes meet combustible vegetation,
you must increase your role to protect lives and property in
your community beyond the city limits.
The United States Fire
Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice the following
fire safety steps in rural areas. Remember, fire safety is your
personal responsibility... Fire Stops With You!
Fire Facts about Rural
Living
Once a fire starts outdoors
in a rural area, it is often hard to control. Wildland
firefighters are trained to protect natural resources, not
homes and buildings.
Many homes are located far
from fire stations. The result is longer emergency response
times. Within a matter of minutes, an entire home may be
destroyed by fire.
Limited water supply in
rural areas can make fire suppression difficult.
Homes may be secluded and
surrounded by woods, dense brush and combustible vegetation
that fuel fires.
Tips For Fireproofing Your
Property
Keep lawns trimmed, leaves
raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such
as dead limbs and leaves.
Stack firewood at least 30
feet away from your home.
Store flammable materials,
liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at
least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.
Create defensible space by
thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home.
Landscape your property with
fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from
spreading quickly.
Post home address signs that
are clearly visible from the road.
Provide emergency vehicle
access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at
least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.
Make sure water sources,
such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire
department.
Burning yard waste is a fire
hazard. Check with your local fire agency on a non-emergency
number for fire permit requirements and restricted burning
times.
Protect Your Home
Use fire resistant,
protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal
to protect your home. Avoid using wood materials that offer
the least fire protection.
Cover all exterior vents,
attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6
millimeters.
Install multipane windows,
tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large
windows from radiant heat.
Use fire-resistant draperies
for added window protection.
Have chimneys, wood stoves
and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually
by a certified specialist.
Prepare Your Family
Know how to contact fire
emergency services in your area.
Plan ahead. Make sure you
and your family are prepared for a fire emergency.
Develop and practice escape
and evacuation plans with your family.
Install smoke alarms on
every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the
batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new
long-life smoke alarms.
For More Information
Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
