WILDFIRE AWARENESS


When we think of disasters, we have a tendency to think of hurricanes. But, wild fire is the more likely disaster we in Seminole County should be concerned with. They occur more frequently than hurricanes, destroy property and have the potential to take lives.

WildfiresSeminole County is considered to be a suburban county. But, we have more forested and brush area than meets the eye. The entire eastern side of Seminole County is still mostly rural. Forested areas, and areas with low-lying brush are plentiful. The west side of Seminole County includes the Wekiva State Park area, surrounded by sparsely populated areas of single family homes. Markham Woods Road, which runs through the county on a north to south axis, is in the middle of what was once a forested area and is now populated by large plots of single family homes.

The "Situation"

Be realistic. Know the "situation" and plan appropriately to protect your property and your family:

Florida has been in a "dry period" for several years. It will take years of traditional rain to return the environment to its "normal" conditions. Thus, even if "it" looks damp, "it" may be dry. Watch those cigarettes and matches.

Rain, thunder and lighting. The sound of "relief from summer heat." Remember that lightening can cause smoldering in trees that may last for days before breaking out into a fire. So, the "wet" season, can bring a very strong source of fire … lighting strikes.

Even with the best precautions by the residents of Seminole County, fires don’t know manmade boundaries. The Wildfires of 1998 proved that fires can move across several counties before it is contained and extinguished.

Fire Prevention Tips

1. Keep debris cleared away from your home and other structures. Don’t stack anything flammable along exterior walls such as firewood.
2. Keep water-hoses connected at all times and test the hoses to verify that they can reach all surface areas of your home.
3. Maintain a ladder that is capable of reaching the roof of your home and other structures. Keep it in an accessible location.
4. Keep a rake or other tool to keep your home’s roof free of tree limbs, leaves or debris that could become fuel for a fire. Keep the rake accessible at all times.
5. Have a screen over all chimneys, whether the chimney is part of a structural fireplace, or part of a temporary, outdoor barbecue.
6. Observe overhead power lines and notify the power company if tree limbs or other objects make contact with the lines.
7. Assist the utility company in keeping access to the lines and pole cleared of obstructions.
8. Obey all burn regulations. Never burn when winds are gusty or leave the fire unattended. Notify proper authorities of your burn site.
9. Think of water sources. Lakes and rivers are good sources. Keep access to them clear in case fire fighters need to pump water from them.
10. Swimming pools (even plastic "kiddy pools) can be a source of water. When the fire index is 'high,' consider storing water in the pool in case it is needed.
11. When you barbecue or have another outdoor activity that might involve a fire or spark, have a water hose connected and ready to use. At minimum, have a bucket or two of water ready to toss on any fire started by embers.

Planning for Your Safety

1. Have smoke detectors throughout your home and maintain them. Change the batteries twice a year (time change is a good time to change smoke detector batteries).
2. Have a working fire extinguisher in the house. It can be used to put out a smaller fire, and clear a path through larger fires if you have to evacuate. Train family members on how to properly use fire extinguishers.
3. Keep important documents in a solid, well-constructed metal container. If you must evacuate and don’t have time to take the documents with you, they can survive the fire if properly stored.
4. Know more than one way to evacuate your residence. If the road you normally use is not accessible, have an alternate route. Teach the alternate route to all family members.
5. You should select an assembly point for your family. This is a place where everyone knows to go to if separated. It could be a friend or relatives house.

What to do if you are trapped by a wild fire

1. REMAIN CALM. The more excited you become the more oxygen you will consume. Oxygen can be in short supply as the fire consumes it. A panicked person makes unwise decisions.
2. HEAT RADIATION. A fire puts off a vast amount of heat that can cause serious burns and even death. Shield yourself by using natural barriers: trenches, rivers, streams, lakes, a building or even a vehicle (there is a danger of explosion from a vehicle if the gasoline is ignited by the fire).
3. LIE DOWN. Those people who lie prone and take shallow breaths are more likely to survive a fire than those who merely kneel or continue standing. The key is lie down in an area which is not likely to burn, such as in a sandy area or on dirt.
4. RUNNING THROUGH THE FIRE. As a last resort, when surrounded by fire, going through it might be the difference between life and death. Look for an area where the fire is "shallow," about three feet or less. Verify that there is a safe area on the other side of the fire. Cover exposed areas of your body with clothing, dirt or mud and run without stopping through the fire. When clear of the fire, lie down and roll over until any fire on your body is out.

 
Emergency Management     150 Bush Blvd    Sanford, Florida 32773    (407) 665-5102