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USE FIRE RESISTANT BUILDING MATERIALS
The roof and exterior structure of your dwelling should be constructed of noncombustible or fire resistant materials such as asphalt roofing shingles, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling and other highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals.
BURN SAFELY
Check local laws on burning brush. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely. If brush burning is allowed, take the following precautions:
Clear the ground of all flammable materials for at least 3 metres.
- Have adequate water and fire tools available in case the fire escapes.
- Don't burn on dry, windy days.
- Have an adult attend the fire until it is completely out.
- Notify your local fire department.
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USE
ONLY APPROVED WOOD BURNING UNITS
Install only approved wood
burning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. Be sure they
are installed according to the manufacturers' recommendations
and local regulations. When you dispose of your stove
or fireplace ashes, place ashes in a fire safe container,
then dispose of the cold ashes in a cleared area free
of all flammable material. CONTROL VEGETATION
A fuel break at least ten metres wide should be established and maintained around all structures, this does not mean bare ground. Wider fuel breaks are needed around buildings located on steep slopes or in areas of dense, highly flammable fuels.
The fuel break area may contain single shade trees and ornamental shrubs that do not allow fire to spread rapidly from native vegetation to buildings. Shrubs and trees should be at least 4.5 metres apart. Remove branches from trees to a height of 3 - 4.5 metres to prevent ground fire from spreading to tops of trees. Trees and vegetation should be kept at least 3 metres away from a chimney or stove pipe. Foundation plantings should be of the fire resistant variety and be free of dead and dying vegetation.
DEVELOP A WATER SUPPLY
An adequate and reliable water supply is essential to protect structures and natural areas from fires. Water can be supplied in rural areas by wells with high volume pumps. Know the location of nearby creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds so that firefighters can obtain additional water, if needed. Swimming pools may also be considered a source of additional water supply. A garden hose outlet should be installed on the exterior of each dwelling. One hundred feet of hose should be connected to the outlet to be available to protect all sides of the house and roof. PLAN ADEQUATE ACCESS AND ESCAPE
Plan Ahead. Plan a safe escape route for you and your family before a wildfire occurs, and make sure everyone knows the plan. Have a contingency plan so that family memebers know where to meet if they should get separated. Emergency phone numbers should be posted near the telephone.
Abridged from: "It Could Happen to you!- How to Protect your Home." Courtesy of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission. and "FireSmart Protecting your Community from Wildfire". Partners in Protection. If you would like more information on how you can reduce the risk of losing your home to wildfire. You can reach us by email. or by mail at : The Forest Protection Division Fire Management Group NS Dept of Natural Resources
PO Box 130,Shubenacadie East Nova Scotia, Canada. B0N 2H0
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