Are you #WildfireReady this summer?

IN THE LAST YEAR, WILDFIRES IN THE OVERBERG DISTRICT DESTROYED AND DAMAGED ALMOST 50 HOMES AND THREATENED SEVERAL NEIGHBOURHOODS.

This awareness programme has been initiated to provide practical, affordable and quality tested advice to homeowners living in or close to dense vegetation like #fynbos, forests and/or dense alien plants.

More about the #WildfireReady campaign:
https://overbergfpa.co.za/wildfireready/

#DiscoverOverberg #Overberg #Overstrand

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#WildfireReady

// Living on the Wildland Urban Interface //

The more we want to be at one with nature, the more exposed we are to the threats of fire-prone vegetation.

Taking precautionary measures to secure your properties which are surrounded by vegetation can save you millions! Over the next few months, we will be sharing information and links on how you can reduce the risk of your house being damaged by wildfires.

#DiscoverOverberg #Overberg #Overstrand

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// Why your home ignites: Ember attacks and firebrands //

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗞?
Ember attack occurs when burning parts of trees (e.g. twigs, branches, leaves) are carried by winds in a cluster. Embers can range from tiny sub millimetre sparks to large chunks, which lodge in gutters, get under doorways, enter roof spaces or windows and start internal fires. The movements of embers from a wildfire are the primary cause of spot fires, which contribute to the continued spread of a wildfire. Ember attack can occur for up to 30 minutes before the fire front passes a given house and over distances greater than 1km from the fire front.

Embers are burning twigs, leaves and pieces of debris
Ember attack occurs when twigs and leaves are carried by the wind and land on or around houses.

Ember attack is the most common way houses catch fire during wildfires.

Embers can land on top of debris in your gutters and set fire to your house

Ember attack can happen before, during and after the wildfire.

(Taken from: https://bluemountainmesh.com.au/…/EMBER-ATTACK-PROTECTION-G…)

#WildfireReady #EmberAttacks #Ignitions #Overberg

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// Important facts about how homes burn //

Here’s a list of crucial facts, rules and steps to take when your home is burning. For instance, it’s a firefighters’ rule of thumb that if more than 1/4 of a roof is burning, the home cannot be saved. Don’t let your roof catch on fire!

Here’s how to be #WildfireReady: http://bit.ly/2BSbWNN

(And our thanks to the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council for sharing this important info).

📷 Sullivan Photography

#HowHomesBurn #Ignitions #Overberg Overstrand Municipality Village Explorer Overberg District Municipality Parkscape

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#WildfireReady “If your home doesn’t ignite it can’t burn.”

// What can you do to stop embers from igniting your house? //

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqKFDDBGd5o

#wildfireready #overberg #goFPA #defensiblespace

// How to prepare your home and property in case of a #wildfire //

Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association have compiled a list to help you prepare and protect your home and property in case of a wildfire:

• Ensure that flammable items are well away from the house e.g. firewood piles, boxes, garden furniture, rubbish bins, fuel containers, etc.
• Maintain a minimum 2 metre gap between your house and tree branches. Make sure no trees overhang the house.
• Prune lower branches (up to 2 metres off the ground) to stop a fire on the ground spreading to the canopy of the trees.
• Keep your gutters free of leaves and other combustible material.
• Block any gaps under floor spaces, in the roof space, under eaves, external vents, skylights, chimneys and wall cladding.

Make sure you are #WildfireReady today.

#ProtectYourProperty #Ignitions #Overberg

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Here’s why many who live in areas surrounded by natural vegetation aren’t concerned about #wildfire, but perhaps should be: www.overbergfpa.co.za/do-you-live-in-nature-this-is-for-you/

So here’s YOUR #QuestionOfTheDay:

Do you live in or near natural areas? Tell us in the comments below if you feel your home is safe against wildfire. And if so, why you believe your home is NOT in danger.

#Questionnaire #WildfireReady #FireSeason

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How can you stay safe when a wildfire threatens? Start by managing your fuel load at home.

We’ve compiled 6 critical, and achievable actions that you can take to reduce the risk of wildfire damaging your home. https://overbergfpa.co.za/how-to-stay-safe-when-a-wildfire-threatens/

Make sure you are #WildfireReady today: www.overbergfpa.co.za/wildfireready/

#ProtectYourProperty #Ignitions #Overberg #DiscoverOverberg #Overstrand

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