Wildfires are a year-round concern in Texas. Even colder months can produce dangerous conditions. You can share these safety tips and government resources to help your clients reduce their risks.
Guard the yard
Homeowners can create a fire-resistant zone extending at least 30 feet from the home by removing leaves, brush, debris, and flammable landscape materials.
That includes cleaning gutters, removing dead tree limbs, and stacking firewood away from the home and other buildings on the land. Property owners can also keep the grass mowed and trees pruned.
Avoid accidental fire starters
It doesn’t take much to cause a wildfire during dry conditions. Remind your clients to keep their vehicles, including recreational vehicles, ATVs, tractors, and other motorized equipment, well maintained and operate them safely and carefully.
Where’s the water?
It may take a while for the fire department to reach a rural property. Do your clients have water sources onsite? Could a hose reach a fire anywhere on the property? You can mention the topic with your clients so they can consider whether there are resources available for firefighters.
Stock up
Wildfires can make it harder for your clients to get supplies. Do they have enough medicine and essentials on hand in case of emergency? Having a little extra in the house could save your clients a trip into town through dangerous conditions. A bag packed with medicine and first aid supplies could also be handy. Protective masks, like N95s, and air purifiers with HEPA filters can be useful in smoky situations.
Think ahead
Do your clients have a fire safety emergency plan? Do they know how to safely evacuate their property, what they might do about livestock, or where they’d go if they had to leave? Where would they stay? These are important questions for your clients to assess.
Stay informed
You and your clients can receive wildfire alerts through your mobile phone. You can also download the FEMA app. Many radios can receive NOAA updates. Keeping mobile phones charged with backup charging packs available is a great way to stay connected even if the power goes out.
Learn more
You and your clients can learn more from the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and ready.gov.
