Fire Safety

Protecting Your Home from Fire: Steps for Interior & Exterior Preparation

As residents of Cypress Village, we are fortunate to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest that surrounds our community. However, with this privilege comes the responsibility to protect our homes from potential fire hazards. By taking proactive steps both inside and outside our homes, we can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of our families and property.

Here are some essential tips for preparing your home:

Interior Preparation

1. Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each bedroom.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually or as needed.
• Keep fire extinguishers readily accessible in key areas, such as the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces. Ensure everyone in the household knows how to use them.

2. Electrical Safety:

• Regularly inspect electrical cords and outlets for damage or wear. Replace any frayed or damaged cords.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors when necessary.
• Hire a qualified electrician to inspect your home’s wiring periodically.

3. Fireplace and Heating Equipment:

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.
• Use a screen or glass door to contain sparks from wood-burning fireplaces.
• Keep flammable materials, such as curtains and furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.

4. Fire-Safe Habits:

• Never leave cooking unattended, and keep a fire-resistant lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
• Store flammable liquids, such as gasoline and paint thinners, in approved containers and away from heat sources.
• Create and practice a family fire escape plan, ensuring all members know two ways out of each room.

Exterior Preparation

1. Defensible Space:

• Create a defensible space around your home by clearing a 30-foot zone of all dead vegetation, dry leaves, and pine needles. Request a Common Area Permit to clear out invasive species and other approved landscape materials up to 25 feet into the Common Area. Failure to obtain a permit may result in fines for encroachment and/or restoration fees.
• Regularly trim trees and shrubs to prevent them from touching your home and remove any dead branches.
• Keep your lawn well-watered and mowed. Your irrigation system serves as a fire suppression system. If a fire breaks out near the home, turn on your irrigation.

2. Fire-Resistant Landscaping:

• Use fire-resistant plants and materials in your landscaping. Consult with local experts or visit the fire department’s website for recommended plants.
• Create fuel breaks, such as gravel paths or driveways or landscaping beds, to slow the spread of fire.

3. Roof and Gutters:

• Use fire-resistant roofing materials, such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles.
• Clean gutters and roofs regularly to remove leaves, pine needles, and debris that could ignite.

4. Decks and Patios:

• Ensure decks and patios are made of fire-resistant materials, such as concrete or treated wood.
• Keep the area under decks and patios clear of flammable materials.

5. Access and Visibility:

• Make sure your home’s address is clearly visible from the street for easy identification by emergency responders.
• Keep driveways and access roads clear of vegetation to provide safe entry and exit for emergency vehicles.

By implementing these fire safety measures, we can help protect our homes and our community from the threat of wildfires. Remember, preparedness is key, and every step we take can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of fire.

Stay safe and vigilant, Cypress Village!