Ennis Red Oak Residents: Being Prepared Can Lessen Risk of Damage from Wildfire

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Texans can always count on late summer to bring extreme heat and drought. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, Texas is currently abnormally dry or under severe drought conditions, and there is a relationship between drought and wildfire episodes. The results of wildfire include not only fire and smoke damage to property or even total loss of property, but also the loss of human and animal life. As with any potential disaster, the best defense is to be informed, exercise precautionary measures, and be prepared in case the worst does happen.

There are several things you can do to prepare for and potentially diminish the risk of damage to your property and to protect your loved ones in the case of a wildfire in your community.

• Sign up for emergency alerts. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio issue emergency alerts.
• Be familiar with evacuation routes in your community. Know more than one route, and drive the routes so that you know how to find your way out and to shelter ahead of an emergency. Make a plan for any animals in your care.
• Gather emergency supplies (a list of supplies that should be ready for any emergency can be found at www.ready.gov/build-a-kit). Be sure to include N95 respirator masks, which will filter out any particles from the air you breathe. Don’t forget any medications for your family and pets.
• Store important documents in a fireproof safe, and keep a password protected digital copy.
• Use fire-resistant materials when building, repairing, or renovating.
• Have an outside water source with hoses that will reach any part of your property.
• Create a fire-resistant zone around your house. Remove dried leaves, debris, and any flammable materials for at least 30 feet around your house.
• Review your insurance coverage to ensure it is enough to replace your property in the case of loss.

In the event that you are affected by a fire of any kind, remember that we at SERVPRO of Ennis Red Oak are here to help in the aftermath. Our technicians are trained and equipped to handle cleanup and restoration of fire damage or smoke damage to your home or business so that you can get back to the business of life. Call us at 972-935-0827.

This information regarding how to prepare for a wildfire, as well as information about how to survive during a wildfire and how to be safe afterwards, can be found at www.fema.gov.