Wildfire Preparedness in the Avenues – We Are All At Risk!

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY

         See the GACC’s Wildfire Committee’s flyer on Personal and Property preparedness HERE

KNOW YOUR FIRE ZONE

Over 1,500 residences within the Avenues are especially vulnerable to wildfire due to their proximity to the fire-prone “Wildland Urban Interface” (WUI).

Many more properties throughout the Avenues are susceptible – due to their density and unpredictable fire weather.

It is important for residents to understand how fire can damage our homes and property, and how we 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 on the map HERE

REQUEST AN ASSSESSMENT OF YOUR HOME’s FIRE RISK

     The Salt Lake City Fire Department will conduct a free assessment of your home’s Fire Risk. Schedule an appointment 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 PREPARATION RESOURCES

MAKE A PLAN – Successfully preparing for a wildfire requires you to take personal responsibility for protecting yourself, your family and your property. See the link for Salt Lake City’s Personal Wildfire Action Plan.  

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.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD