The FAIC Volunteer Fire Department is committed to protecting the rural community from fire. With lots of wooded areas in the area, it is important to be aware of the fire hazards and take steps to stay safe.

Here are some fire safety tips for living in a rural community with lots of wooded areas:

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• Create a defensible space around your home. This means clearing away flammable vegetation and debris within 30 feet of your home and other structures. This will help to slow the spread of a wildfire and give firefighters a better chance of protecting your property.

• Maintain your property. Keep your lawn mowed and your landscaping well-trimmed. Avoid planting flammable plants, such as junipers and cedars, too close to your home.

• Have a fire escape plan and practice it regularly. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to get out of the house safely in case of a wildfire.

• Be prepared for wildfires. Have a plan for how you will evacuate your home if a wildfire approaches. Keep a supply of food, water, and other essential items on hand.

• Be careful when using fire outdoors. Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure to extinguish it completely before leaving. Be aware of the wind direction and avoid burning on windy days.

• Store flammable materials safely. Keep gasoline, propane, and other flammable materials in a safe and secure location away from your home and other structures.

• Have a fire extinguisher on hand. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and garage. Make sure you know how to use it safely.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the weather conditions and be prepared for wildfires. If you see smoke or flames, call 911 immediately.

 

In addition to the above tips, the FAIC Volunteer Fire Department recommends that all residents of the rural community take the following steps to stay safe from fire:

• Install smoke alarms in your home and test them monthly. Smoke alarms can save your life by warning you of a fire early on.

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. This will help to prevent chimney fires.

• Keep your electrical system up to date and have it inspected by a qualified electrician regularly. Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of home fires.

• Be careful when using space heaters and other heating devices. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and never leave a heating device unattended.

 

By following these fire safety tips, residents of the rural community can help to protect themselves, their families, and their property from fire.

The FAIC Volunteer Fire Department also offers a number of fire safety programs and resources to the community, including:

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• Free fire safety inspections: The FAIC Volunteer Fire Department offers free fire safety inspections to all residents of the community. During an inspection, a firefighter will visit your home and assess your fire risk. They will also provide you with fire safety tips and recommendations.

• Fire safety education programs: The FAIC Volunteer Fire Department offers a variety of fire safety education programs for residents of all ages. These programs cover topics such as fire prevention, home fire safety, and wildfire safety.

• Community events: The FAIC Volunteer Fire Department hosts a number of community events throughout the year, such as open houses and fire drills. These events are a great way to learn about fire safety and meet the firefighters who protect your community.