FIRE Rural Fire Prevention Checklist U STOPS YO W ITH A Factsheet on Rural Fire Safety and Prevention

elf-reliance is the rule for fire safety for many people. If you live in an area where the local fire department is more than a few minutes away because of travel time or distance, SSor if you are outside the limits of the nearest town, be sure you know how to be self- reliant in a fire emergency. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to use this fire safety checklist to help you protect yourself, your home and its surroundings from fire. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility... Fire Stops With You!

MAINTAIN HOME MAKE YOUR HOME • Landscape your property with fire HEATING SYSTEMS FIRE-RESISTANT resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly. • Have your chimney inspected and • Use fire-resistant and protective roof- cleaned annually by a certified ing and materials like stone, brick • Stack firewood at least 30 feet away specialist. and metal to protect your home. from your home and other structures. • Insulate chimneys and place spark Avoid using wood materials that offer • Store flammable materials, liquids arresters on top. the least fire protection. and solvents in metal containers out- side the home, at least 30 feet away • Extend the chimney at least three • Keep roofs and eaves clear of debris. from structures and wooden fences. feet above the roof. • Cover all exterior vents, attics and • Remove branches hanging above and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters. FOLLOW LOCAL around the chimney. BURNING LAWS • Install multipane windows, tempered HAVE A FIRE SAFETY safety glass or fireproof shutters to pro- • Do not burn trash or other debris without proper knowledge of local AND EVACUATION PLAN tect large windows from radiant heat. burning laws, techniques and the • Use fire-resistant draperies for added • Install smoke alarms on every level safest times of day and year to burn. of your home. Test them monthly window protection. • Before burning debris in a wooded and change the batteries at least • Keep tools for fire protection nearby: area, make sure you notify local once a year. 100 foot garden hose, shovel, rake, authorities and obtain a burning ladder and buckets. • Practice fire escape and evacuation permit. plans. • Make sure water sources, such as • Use an approved incinerator with a hydrants and ponds, are accessible to • Mark the entrance to your property safety lid or covering with holes no the fire department. with signs that are clearly visible. larger than 3/4 inches. • Know which local emergency ser- LET YOUR LANDSCAPE • Create at least a 10 foot clearing vices are available and have those around the incinerator before DEFEND YOUR PROPERTY numbers posted. burning debris. • Provide emergency vehicle access • Trim grass on a regular basis up to through roads and driveways at 100 feet surrounding your home. For More Information Contact: least 12 feet wide with adequate • Create defensible space by thinning The United States Fire Administration turnaround space. trees and brush within 30 feet Office of Fire Management Programs around your home. 16825 South Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 • Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris and low tree branches. Or visit the USFA website: www.usfa.fema.gov

March, 1999 A USFA Public-Private Partnership