Everyday our area becomes home to more and more families who have discovered our Beautiful little piece of Heaven that we call “Preskitt”. As our community continues to grow and evolve, it is important that we try a little kindness, and help one another to protect ourselves and our neighbors from the ever-looming threat of Wildfires.
Between the 2020 and 2021 Arizona Wildfire Seasons, there were 4293 documented Wildfires across our great State, burning a total of 1,502,947 acres, claiming several homes and lives.
We can all do our part to help protect against the devastation caused by Wildfires by creating “Defensible Space” around our homes. That means removing all dead plants, grass and weeds (vegetation). Removing dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof, and rain gutters. Removing branches that hang over your roof and keep dead branches 10 feet away from your chimney. Trimming trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
For more information on how you can be “Firewise,” please visit Department of Forestry and Fire Management
Be Prepared.
According to the Yavapaiaz.gov/district5/firewise website there are a few things that can help you and your family be prepared.
Have a plan on where to go and what to do in case your home is in the path of a Wildfire.
PREPARE– your property, family & pets – PLAN – who will you call, where will you meet, what will you take – BUILD A TO-GO KIT – food, water, medicine, personal needs etc. STAY INFORMED – radio, news, online.
Using the “Five P”s is a great start to make sure you don’t leave anything important behind.
- PRESCRIPTIONS – Have a week’s supply of all individuals’ medications and eyeglasses ready.
- PETS – Food, water, tags, pet carrier or livestock transportation standing by.
- PAPERS – Money, important documents and records should be kept together for quick access.
- PICTURES – irreplaceable memories and items.
- PHONES & COMPUTERS – Information on hard drives and disks as well as charging devices.
To get direct notification of Emergency directives, Sign up for Yavapai County Sheriff’s “CODE RED” Emergency Notification System Yavapai County Emergency Notification System
Unfortunately, there may come a time when Wildfire does threaten your home. If that happens, DON’T be a Hero. DO NOT stay in your home thinking that you can protect it. Things can be replaced; You and your family, including the Furry ones, can’t.
Evacuate as ordered in the “Ready. Set. Go!” directive issued for your area, and stay up to date on bulletins issued by visiting Arizona Emergency Information Network or Yavapai County Sheriff's Office
If you or your Family have been effected by Wildfire, please reach out to Red Cross at American Red Cross for resources on how to get through this devastating time.
If you’d like an emailed copy of either the Department of Forestry and Fire Management article “Living with Wildfire” or a copy of the University of Arizona’s article “Creating Wildfire-Defensible Spaces for Your Home and Property” please call, text or email me at (928) 848-8830 or [email protected].
God Bless and Stay Safe.
