wildfire preparedness
Wildfire Preparedness in the Avenues
The vision of the Avenues Wildfire Committee is a neighborhood that is aware of and resilient to wildfire, and whose residents proactively work to reduce the risks associated with living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
The WUI is the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. It is the line, area or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. The Avenues is surrounded by Wildland.
The goals of the GACC Wildfire Preparedness Committee are to provide educational resources to Avenues residents of the dangers of wildfire within our community, and to help everyone prepare for, prevent and mitigate fire damages.
Successfully preparing for a wildfire requires you to take personal responsibility for protecting yourself, your family and your property: MAKE A PLAN
Request An Assessment Of Your Home’s Fire Risk
Request a Salt Lake City Fire Department Assessment of your home’s Fire Risk HERE
Wildland Urban Interface – WUI
Over 1,500 residences within the Avenues are especially vulnerable to wildfire due to their proximity to the fire-prone “Wildland Urban Interface” (WUI). It is important for residents to understand how fire can damage their homes and property and how they can lessen the possibility of damage. If each of us does our part to reduce risk, we can collectively create a safer, more resilient neighborhood. Check Your Fire Risk HERE
Wildfire Risk and Homeowners Insurance
An important consideration is your homeowner’s coverage and how it relates to fire risk. Our GACC Wildfire Preparedness committee chair Amy Merritt-Smith has created this Homeowners 101 report with some great suggestions. Email gaccwildfire@slc-avenues.org with any questions about this information.
Wildfire Preparedness Guidelines
The best thing a homeowner can do to protect their property is CREATE DEFENSIBLE SPACE.
Some easy and immediate steps to take are:
- Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could catch embers.
- Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.
- Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening.
- Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers.
- Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows
- Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
- Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn.
- Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.
The time you spend on wildfire prevention around your home is important and the SLC Fire Department is asking residents to report the hours you spend removing possible wildfire fuels around your home.
More information on wildfire prevention and preparation can be seen at https://www.slc.gov/fire/wildland/.
Links To Wildfire Resources
US Drought monitor – https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/
Western US Mega drought – https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/american-west-may-be-entering-megadrought-worse-any-historical-record-180974688/
Be Aware of Weather Conditions – Eastern Great Basin – Rocky Mountain Region
Have a Plan – https://www.slc.gov/fire/ready-set-go/ https://www.ready.gov/wildfires
“Go Bags” – The best go bags are personalized. Everyone’s most likely risks (wildfire, earthquake, etc.) and personal needs (kids, pets, meds, etc) are different. Where we are each likely to evacuate to may also be different (shelter, friends or relatives, office space, etc.).
Prepare a Personalized “Go Bag”: https://www.ready.gov/kit
BeReady.Utah.gov GO BAG RECOMMENDATIONS
How Do Homes Burn in a Wildfire? (Hint – It is often the small things!)
Yard Litter and Landscaping – Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)
Remodeling Structural Envelopes To Reduce Fire Risk
Five Things That Can Protect Communities
SLC has a new Citizen Wildfire Mitigation Program
SLC Guidelines for Trimming and Seeding of Grasses on Salt Lake City Open Space Lands Adjacent to Eligible Parcels
See the Wildfire Evacuation Checklist HERE
Please contact your Greater Avenues Wildfire Preparedness Community Liaison, Amy Merritt-Smith at gaccwildfire@slc-avenues.org. or call (707) 849-6124 with any questions.
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