While forest fires raging out of control are torching parts of the West and the likelihood of a similar catastrophic event occurring here is remote, the threat of fire still exists. Therefore, precautions must be implemented and observed.
With an increasing number of people making their home in woodland settings, it's imperative that homeowners protect themselves and their homes against wildfires.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Ohio isn't classified as a danger zone specifically, but the agency offers the following basic safety tips for those who live in areas where wildfires might occur. Even if you fire up the barbie just once a year, here are a few precautions every homeowner should take.
Clearly mark your home's address and make sure emergency vehicles can access your driveway. Contact your local fire department for specifics on fire laws in your area and report any hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
Plan escape routes from your home. Select landscape materials that help retard fires rather than fuel it. In heavily wooded areas create a 30- to 50-foot safety zone around your home and take measures to reduce your exposure to flame and radiant heat.
Mow your lawn regularly and remove tree limbs that extend over the roof along with limbs within 15 feet of the ground. Contact the power company to remove limbs interfering with power lines.
Rake leaves, dead limbs and other flammable vegetation and remove them along with vines that might be clinging to the walls of your home.
Stack firewood no less than 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Plan your water needs well by identifying and maintaining adequate outside water sources. Be sure to have a garden hose long enough to reach any area of the home. Install freezer proof water outlets on at least two sides of your home.
If a wildfire threatens the area, listen to a battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Back your car into a garage or park in an open space facing the direction of the escape. Shut the doors and roll up the windows. Leave the keys in the ignition and close the garage doors and windows, making sure they're unlocked. Disconnect your automatic garage door opener.
If you have pets, confine them to one room. Make plans to care for them if you're forced to evacuate. Make plans to stay outside the threatened area.
If you're ordered to evacuate, wear protective clothing, take a disaster supplies kit, lock your home, tell someone you've left and where you're going and choose a route away from fire hazards.
For more detailed information, visit www.fema.gov/library/wfie.pdf.
This Week's Tip
How can I better determine what I want in a house? It's a useful exercise to think about houses you've seen and those you've liked. Try to analyze what it was about these houses that attracted you. It's also helpful to think about what you don't like about your current home.
Your aim in the analysis stage is to create a list of features that will allow you to filter the inventory and eliminate houses that don't fit your criteria. Keep in mind that you won't find the perfect house -- it probably doesn't exist. You'll have to make compromises.
After evaluating the available housing stock and considering what you can afford, you'll be in a better position to decide how you'll be willing to compromise.
STEVEN J. LOWENSTEIN, a native of Cincinnati, is a Realtor with Coletta & Associates Realtors. He's a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and holds a Master's degree from North Texas State University.
