How to prepare and protect your home during fire season

Reporter: Rich Kolko Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News

We’ve all seen the smoke rising in the distance, but what if a brush fire lights up your neighborhood?

We’re in the middle of fire season and Southwest Florida is getting less rain and seeing higher-than-average temperatures, setting the stage for fires to break out.

WINK News Safety and Security Specialist Rich Kolko and Photojournalist Eric Mills spoke with North Collier Fire and Rescue to explain how you can protect your home.

You can watch their report above.

Some quick tips:

Make sure you leave a buffer around your house to not only create space between your house and any brush but to give fire crews ample room to get around your house in order to fight the fire and run hoses.

Make sure your roof and yard clear of any vegetation that could easily burn.

Create an evacuation plan for your family. Don’t forget your pets! Have a go-bag ready with whatever you need to get by for 24 hours, including medications and a phone charger.

Know where to go should you have to evacuate.

If you own livestock, make sure you have a plan to get them out and know where to take them.

RESOURCES
Firewise USA
Florida Forest Service Fire Danger Index
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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