The beautiful scenery of the Morongo Basin offers serene settings for homes. Unfortunately, it also provides ideal conditions for wildfires. Wildfires often begin unnoticed and spread quickly, sometimes changing direction with the wind and igniting brush, trees and homes, and, as recently seen in Arizona, killing those sent to fight the fires. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers some tips on how to keep your property safe from wildfires…
If you are in a fire-prone area, create a 30- to 100-foot safety zone around your home and use fire-resistant materials on roofs. Keep items that can be used as fire tools handy. Have several garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and surrounding vegetation. Because wildfires can change direction and speed suddenly, a minor threat can quickly escalate into a major threat. If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to Z107.7 for updates. Remember if you have left the area of a wildfire, it’s important to wait until your local emergency personnel have announced it’s safe to return home. In addition, develop a family disaster plan and decide where to meet. Designate a friend or relative outside your town as your contact in the event you are separated.
IT’S WILDFIRE SEASONS; TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME
