A Wildland Urban Interface is the transition zone between unoccupied undeveloped land and human development. Within this zone structures are intermingled with wildland and/or vegetative fuels. Communities adjacent to and surrounded by wildland are at varying degrees of risk from wildfires.

You may be surprised to learn that Toms River is home to many Wildland Urban Interface areas. Typically in these areas homes are built up against wooded areas of land. If your home falls into this category take a few simply steps to help safeguard your property against the threat from wildfire.

• Create a safety zone of up to 100 feet around your home.
  • Remove pine needles and dry leaves from around your home.
  • Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from your home..
• Keep your gutters clear of pine needles and dead leaves.
• Use building materials and yard materials that won’t burn easily.
• Plan and practice a home evacuation plan and create a family communications plan.
• Plan ahead by practicing two ways out of your neighborhood. You should know the evacuation route and plan a place where you will go.
• Maintain a bag of emergency personal items to bring if you must evacuate.
• If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you wait until the last minute, the roads may have heavy traffic. Blowing embers and debris from the fire may make it hard to see.
• Stay informed. Listen to the TV/radio broadcasts for current weather and emergency instructions. Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and warnings on both your home phone and cellphone.
• Sign up to receive NIXLE alerts at https://local.nixle.com/zipcode/08753/

Posted by webmaster on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021 @ 1:31PM
Categories: Fire Safety