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How to prepare for wildfires

When wildfire threatens

• Listen to the news media or your NOAA Weather Alert radio for emergency messages to learn where the danger is.
• If told to evacuate, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.
• Tell someone you are leaving and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards and listen to public safety officials.

The most important thing you can do is to prepare your family and your home before a wildfire threatens.

• Have an escape plan.
• Update your insurance annually.
• Trim trees and create defendable space around your home.

Wildfire vulnerability

Property owners in the vulnerability areas should consider taking preventative measures against the threat of wildfires, to include:

• Clearing a 30 foot buffer around your dwelling.
• Replacing plastic soffits with non-combustible soffits.
• Installing a sprinkler system that includes the roof.

Risk Factors
Some areas may be more vulnerable than others due to:

• Types of vegetation fuels in your area.
• Population densities and frequency of prescribed burns.
• Historical burn experience.
• Possible limitations to access to your area.
• Possible limitations to access to a sustainable water supply in your area.

For more information, contact:
The Florida Division of Forestry, (386) 822-5768
Volusia County Fire Services, (386) 254-4657
or your municipal fire department.

Check these websites:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Fire and Safety Directory
The National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program

For a copy of Save Your Home from Florida Wildfires, please write: State of Florida, Department of Community Affairs, Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100 or call (850) 413-9884.

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