May 1 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, and we encourage all Issaquah residents to reduce their wildfire risks.
Every year, devastating wildfires burn across the United States. At the same time, a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk.
While these fires will continue to happen, there are things you can do to protect your home and neighborhood, as well as your family’s safety. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.
- Trim branches that overhang your home, porch and and deck and prune branches of large trees.
- 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.
- Use fire-resistive construction materials on your home.
- Develop, discuss and practice an emergency action plan with everyone in your home.
- Ensure your home has legible and clearly marked address numbers.
Learn more at firewise.org.