The Rain Missed Us Again!

Will it ever rain again... Here are some tips from the city. There is a permanent burn ban within the City of Austin prohibiting the burning of trash, leaves, and brush. Beyond that, there are additional precautions you can take to prevent your property from going up in smoke during the hot, dry Texas Summers.

1. Maintain a 30-foot or greater safety zone around your home that is clear of brush, tall grass, and other flammable vegetation. Fire moves more quickly up steep hills so extend that fire safety zone if your home is situated on a steep slope.
2. Use Fire-Resistant Plants and Trees.
   Use fire-resistant species of plants and trees throughout your property and especially within your safety zone.
3. Maintain Your Lawn.
   Keep trees and shrubs pruned around chimney outlets and stovepipes and keep your entire landscape mowed, raked, and free of dead limbs.
4. Store Firewood Safely.
   Stack firewood at least 15 feet away and uphill from your home.
5. Cook Safely Outdoors.
   Barbecue and Texas go hand-in-hand. Practice safe grilling by maintaining a 10-foot brush-free zone around outdoor grills and propane tanks. After grilling, place ashes in a metal bucket and soak in water. Never leave a grill unattended.
6. Don't Park on Grass.
   Don't park vehicles and other motorized equipment on dry grass or near shrubbery. Exhaust systems can far exceed the 500 degrees it takes to start a summer brush fire. If you need to pull off to the side of the road during a road trip, stay on the paved shoulder or find a nearby parking lot or rest stop.
7. Use Spark Arresters.
   Check and replace spark arresters — special mufflers that suppress fire-starting sparks — on any vehicle or equipment with an internal combustion engine. Use an approved spark arrester on chimneys and stovepipes to thwart the escape of burning cinders.
8. Have Fire Extinguishers On-hand.
   Keep fire suppression tools handy including working fire extinguishers, shovel, bucket of water, shovel, and a water hose that can reach all areas of your home and outlying structures.
9. Teach Children Fire Safety.
   Teach children about the dangers of playing with fire and make sure they know what to do in the case of a fire, including an evacuation plan for the home.
10. Be Careful with Cigarettes.
    Don't dispose of cigarette butts by tossing them out a car window or onto the grass.

Tips:

1. It's not enough to have a fire extinguisher. Know how to use it. If you have several, check the operating instructions for each because they do differ. Inspect extinguishers regularly.

What You Need:

• Fire Extinguishers
• Spark Arresters
• Lawncare Equipment