All Hands Fire Equipment Announces Safety Tips For Longer Wildfire Seasons

As the US Wildfire Season seems to grow more intense each year, All Hands Fire Equipment is releasing wild fire prevention and safety tips for those in affected areas.

Neptune, NJ (PRWEB)

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the United States is presently at Preparedness Level 3. This means that two or more regions in the US are experiencing wildland fires or prescribed fire activities that require a major commitment of national resources. There are five preparedness levels ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.

In June, nineteen elite Hotshot Firefighters were killed in the Yarnell Fire in Arizona. This was a fast moving fire that was fanned by gusty winds and dry vegetation. It also destroyed an estimated 200 homes in the Yarnell and Glen Isla communities, an area which is located approximately 80 miles northwest of Phoenix.

California has also seen devastating wildfires. A wildfire has been blazing through the Sierra National Forest since July 22 and has burned over 11,000 acres. This fire was reportedly started by a lightning strike.

On July 30, firefighters are working on wildfires in Frenchtown, Montana; Goldendale, Washington; Redfish Lake, Idaho; and many other locations in the US.

Each year, the United States experiences the threat of wildfires. According to the US Forest Service catastrophic wildfires are increasing with longer and warmer fire seasons. “The federal government, along with state, county and local agencies works extremely hard and does a great job. Home and business owners should be vigilant and proactive to protect themselves along with their families and properties." Commented Donald Colarusso, a firefighter for over 26 years and the President of All Hands Fire Equipment, a leading supplier of wildland fire gear.

Fire prevention and fire safety tips:
Escape plans from homes and businesses should include what to take. Items should include important documents, medication, family heirlooms, etc. Escape routes from buildings should be pre-planned, as fire evacuations are usual done under fire emergency conditions. Escape routes away from wildfire danger should also be established as well as meeting points such as going to family, friends or relocating to established organized emergency shelters.
Staying alert to emergency situations is imperative. This includes knowledge of wildfires in the area, weather conditions, recommendations and instructions by local officials, etc.

Maintenance of property can reduce risk to homes not just when a wildfire is approaching, but always. Defensible space should be established by keeping vegetation manicured and away from dwellings; fuels should always be kept away from homes as well as other combustibles such as fire wood. Gutters should be kept clean from dry leaves etc.

Fire retardant materials like fire resistant roofing shingles, paints and similar building materials are available when building or renovating and should be considered. Home fire sprinklers can be used with working smoke alarms increasing survival chances with the added benefit of lowering insurance rates and increasing property values. Another item to consider is fire suppression gel, like FireIce® which can be applied to a structure. It applies a protective layer on a surface to provide a thermal barrier and help protect against fire.