What You Do Matters on Saturday, May 7, 2022, for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. The threat of wildfire is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posing greater risks to people and property than ever before. Given the challenges to holding large public gatherings in many areas this year, Prep Day 2022 is the ideal time to focus on what you can do to help protect your personal property.
Connect with your community in a unified effort to improve wildfire safety where it matters most. By planning risk reduction projects such as creating a 5-foot safety zone around your house, you and your family have the power to make a difference.
Home activities include:
- Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of a home’s foundation. And if you have the time, continue raking up to a 30-foot distance around the home. Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
- Cleaning pine needles from your roof and gutters and paying attention to maintaining the home ignition zone.
- Getting out your measuring tape and seeing how close wood piles are located to the home. If they are closer than 30 feet, relocate them to at least 30 feet away from structures.
- Sweeping porches and decks, clearing them of leaves and pine needles. Raking under decks, porches, sheds, and play structures.
- Mowing grasses to a height of 4 inches or less.
- Removing items stored under decks and porches and relocating them to a storage shed, garage, or basement. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.
Before starting your project, review these safety tips and safety gear (PDF).