Wild Fire

Despite pockets of locally heavy rain in areas of the country, above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall have caused dryness and drought to intensify across portions of the eastern U.S.  Long Island is currently in a “Moderate Drought” situation.

Did you know that…

• An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year.
• 90% of all wildfires are started by humans
• Selecting fire resistant landscape plants, plus keeping roof and gutters clear of debris can protect your home.

If a wild fire is reported near your home:

• Listen to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information. Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
• Back your car into the garage or park facing the escape direction.
• Wet your roof and shrubs within 15 feet of your residence.
• Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Listen and watch for air quality reports and health warnings about smoke.
• Close windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. Use the recycle or re-circulate mode on the air conditioner.
• Shut off gas at the meter (only a qualified professional can safely turn back on)
• Close interior doors to prevent drafts
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Returning home after a wild fire:

• Do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe. Use caution when entering burned areas.
• Watch animals closely. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ feet.
• Use masks when cleaning up fire ash and wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
• Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet.
• Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Do NOT use water that you think may be contaminated to wash dishes brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands or make ice.