Fall Home Preparation Prevents Fires in Spring

Fire Department encourages planning ahead

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: Sep 2, 2012 at 9:33 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Sep 2, 2012 at 9:33 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Fall is the time that many of us think about cleaning up our yards and getting ready for winter. But there’s another reason to do those chores now. Homeowners who clean up in the fall can help protect their homes from fires in the spring time.

John See is a fire prevention expert with the Anchorage Fire Department who says the spring fire season starts as soon as the snow melts, so getting ready in the fall is something wise homeowners should do.

See says checking your roof may seem like a big job, but it’s important to remove debris that can become fuel for fires. Now is the time to get the gunk out of gutters and pickup sticks and leaves. See says while you are up on the roof check your chimney and make sure it has a “spark arrester” that can trap embers before they land on the roof.

Back on the ground do the weed whacking and leaf raking, especially near your home. See says every home should have at least a five foot buffer zone that is clear of leaves and vegetation around the house.

Fall is also a good time for pruning. Trim low hanging tree limbs to make sure there is between four and six feet of clear trunk space from the ground. That makes it more difficult for fires that start on the ground to spread up to trees and eventually your home.

Doing these things now will help you prepare not only for the winter ahead but the spring beyond, while making your home as fire safe as possible. For extra assurance you can call the Anchorage Fire Department for a free Fire Wise inspection. The number is 267-4902.
 

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