Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week is March 30 – April 5

Are You Preparing for This Year’s Wildfire Season?

Sedona AZ (March 25, 2014) – The wildfire season is almost here. Are you preparing for this year’s wildfire fire season? Protecting your home from a wildfire starts with you. March 30 through April 5, 2014 is Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week. As conditions continue to dry, temperatures start to rise and the number of windy days starts to increase across our area, the potential threat of wildfire increases.

“Sedona Fire District Firefighter’s are preparing for this year’s wildfire season by completing their physical agility training and testing, inspecting specialized equipment and attending this year’s safety training” states Fire Marshal Gary Johnson. “I do not think I can say it enough, protecting your home and property starts with you, the property owner.”  

Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire so your home is ready. Create defensible space by clearing brush, trim and remove tall, dry grasses, and remove low lying tree limbs away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. For additional ideas on how to create defensible space can be found at www.firewise.org.

Make list and assemble emergency supplies and belongings then store them in a safe place. A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. These supplies may include water, food, and clothing. Each family or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. For additional items you may want on your list go to www.Ready.gov.

You have prepared your home by created defensible space. You have made your list and assembled the items you need to take with you. Now, plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. For ideas on creating escape routes, how to develop a communication plan for family members go to www.Ready.gov

Sedona area residents have an opportunity to dispose of their yard waste and combustible vegetation prior to fire season. SFD Fire Station #4, located at 391 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona, will be accepting yard waste Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 16^th, 17^th  and 18^th, 2013 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Participation is open to all Sedona Fire District residents.

Visit www.sedonafire.org or www.firewise.org to learn how to make your property safe from wildfire or call the Sedona Fire District at 282-6800 for more information or to schedule a free wildfire home assessment.