Firewise Considerations for Individuals and Communities

Some of these considerations may be difficult to implement in an existing subdivision or community, but should be implemented as new developments and building are done. Some may also be addressed in local planning and zoning statutes, building codes, and other development ordinances.

Street and Address Markings

All roads and addresses should be clearly marked. Road and street signs should be maintained in readable condition using non-combustible materials. Addresses should be easily visible from the street.

Access

Driveways should be wide enough for emergency vehicles to easily pass.

Firefighters cannot help protect your property if they cannot get to it. Roads leading to, through, and around subdivisions and isolated homes should be designed with emergency vehicles and two-way traffic in mind. Roads should be wide enough to handle both emergency vehicles entering the area, as well as other traffic leaving. Additionally:

• Grades should not exceed nine percent and curves should be gentle and wide enough for large emergency vehicles to get around them.
• Bridges should be constructed to handle heavy equipment and vehicles.
• Long driveways and cul-de-sacs should be large enough to allow emergency vehicles to maneuver and turn around.
• Low, overhanging tree branches above and near roads or driveways should be trimmed back to allow emergency vehicle access.
• Every neighborhood should have at least two routes in and out.
• Turnouts large enough for heavy emergency vehicles should be constructed along one-way roads.
• Vegetation should be trimmed back to create a buffer area, or firebreak, along both sides of roads.

Water Supply

Some subdivisions and isolated developments rely on their own water systems rather than a municipal system. These systems should meet local fire department standards as well as the following considerations:

• Hydrants or other access to water should be clearly marked and maintained.
• Neighbors can work together to create a cooperative emergency storage tank, also with access clearly marked and maintained.
• Individuals may want to develop an on-site emergency storage (e.g., tank, swimming pool, or pond) of a minimum 2,000 gallons of water.
• Emergency generators should be considered and available for water pumps in the event of a power outage.

Evacuation Plans and Routes

Both individual and community evacuation plans should be created and known to everyone potentially impacted by the plans. Considerations should include:

• Preferably, two evacuation routes will be identified for residents to leave an area.
• A means of notification, whether by local law enforcement or by neighborhood leaders or other means, should be developed and be made known to all residents.
• Meeting or gathering sites for evacuees should be identified and known to all residents.
• The more well-known and practiced an evacuation plan is, the more orderly and safely it can be carried out when necessary, while minimizing the risk to lives.