Florida Drought and National Crisis Looming!!!
We know that in Florida we have two seasons, the wet season, and the dry season. If you've been living in Florida for a while you might know these seasons as Hurricane season, and Fire season.
As a Firefighter Paramedic I offer this additonal professional information for your review in an effort to keep to you safe.
Throughout the State of Florida this year we have been experiencing a drought of record magnitude. I don't think we ever thought we'd see news stories about the state hiring a company to clean the "muck" out of the lake bed of Lake Okeechobee since it's pretty empty right now with about a 5 to 10 foot depth... yes that's right the largest lake in South Florida is that shallow.
It will take Florida years to recover from this extensively dry season with limited rainfall but there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and the environment.
Follow your local sprinkler ordinances. They have been placed into effect by your governing body to preserve water resources for drinking, and fire protection.
In regards to the drought and protecting your home against fire, there are very simple things you can do to make your home "Fire Wise." With the recent photos from the western United States with 100's of homes destroyed by fire, you can take steps to defend yourself against a wildfire.
Did you know that the National Wildfire Coordinating Group has raised its alert status to the highest level. This means that throughout the nation, especially the west multiple areas are experiencing major fire incidents which have the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources with over 550 crews committed nationally. Canadian Liaison and a coordinator for military mobilization have been asked to participate in national planning with United States authorities including resources from Australia.
You need to have at least 30 ft of defensible space surrounding your home that is Lean, Clean and Green. It may surprise you... but mulch beds need to be watered too, otherwise the dry bark becomes fuel that burn next to you home. The 30ft area is what Firefighters can use to defend your home against a wildfire if necessary.
You can also choose landscaping, building construction, roof features, and fire resistant decks that will further protect your home.
For more information on this topic check out:
http://www.floridadisaster.org/bpr/Response/Plans/Nathaz/firewise/index.htm
http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm
"Copyright © 2007 by Scott Slocum. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the written consent of the author."
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