I don’t know how many of you lived in LO September of 2020, but the forest South of the Portland Metro area exploded in flames. LO was actually declared a Stage Three evacuation zone: meaning pay attention. Be ready to prepare to evacuate. I actually packed up my priority items and staged them next to my front door. It’s a funny thing, knowing you can only take what fits in your car.
My point is fires are a real threat in the US West. It’s our reality. The time to prepare is before there is an emergency and the Lake Oswego Fire Department is offering help. By going to www.lakeoswego.city/fire/wildfire-risk-prevention you can get information and sign up for a free home evaluation with the LO Fire Department.
Here are some basic tips that you can do now:
Clean your roof and gutters of flammable debris
Make sure any openings to your attic, like vents, are screened with 1/8″ or smaller screens
Cut back trees around your house to have a 10′ clearance from the structure
Keep your decks and porches free of flammable materials
Landscape your yard with fire resistant plants
Create a 5′ barrier around your house that is free of flamable materials
Keep your grass and weeds mowed to no taller than 4″
I think it’s about being fire aware. As you live in your home, as you landscape and make improvements, keep these tips in mind. And take advantage of the free home assessment offered by the LO Fire Department. What you do now can make a big difference later.
