How To Make Your Home Firewise Biggest Bang For Your Buck

Changes You Can Make that Produce the Biggest Bang for the Buck   1. Fire and Rescue Accessibility The Current West Virginia Division of Forestry L2 (on Woodland Home Hazard Assessment Form) has recommended driveway access be: Driveway width: 16 feet Driveway Height: 16 feet Hedgesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue recommendation for driveway access by emergency apparatus: Driveway width: 16 feet Types of work (mitigation) that could be done in order to meet minimum access requirements: Tree Trimming: Trim all hanging branches to a width of 16 feet and height of 16 feet. Tree Removal: Remove any trees that prohibit the driveway from being at least 16 feet wide. Stump Grinding: Remove any tree stumps after cutting trees to create the 16 feet wide driveway access.

  Imagine Before After 16 feet high 16 feet wide

2. Address Visibility: The goal with regard to address visibility is having your property readily identified in case of an emergency. Current Hedgesville WV Volunteer Fire and Rescue recommendation for a compliant address sign are: Sign standing 3 feet high from the ground up. Sign with 3 inch high (or better) reflective numbers and/or letters. Visibility from either entrance to the property (right or left – numbers on each side of the sign) All properties should, at least, meet the local Fire and Rescue requirement. Adherence to this simple request could make the difference between life and death with regard to fire and rescue.

Berkeley County Commission for 911 Address Ordinance Signage: {Section 12 of the Berkeley County Commission for 9ll Address Ordinance states the street address numbers for residences shall be in accordance with The BOCA, International Residential Code, National Property Maintenance Code, Section PM-304.3, Exterior Structure, Street Numbers. The numbers shall be in arabic numerals, at least 3 inches in height, and of durable clearly visible material. The numbers shall be placed on , above or at the side of the main entrance so the number is visible from public right-of-way. Whenever a residence entrance is not visible from the public right-of-way, the number shall be placed along a driveway, or property entrance. Address numbers are to be of contrasting color to the background on which they are mounted.} Below, the non-compliant sign identifies the house but emergency personnel could not see it from the road. In addition, it is giving lot number not the 911 assigned address. This is not compliant with International Residential Code 319.1, adopted by Berkeley County. Non-compliant Compliant

WHOA Firewise Committee Recommendation for Home Identification: MUST post the GIVEN 911 address on sign Two sided sign (visible from either side of road) 3 inch high and at least ½ inch wide REFLECTIVE numbers The height requirement is, in part, guided by snow fall. Numbers section of sign HORIZONTAL on pole: Pole/post standing at least 4 feet from ground up, having a horizontal sign w/ numbers attached to the top of the 4 foot sign, as demonstrated in following pictures. Numbers section of sign VERTICAL on pole: Pole/post standing at least 4 feet from ground up, having a vertical sign w/ numbers attached starting at the 3 foot mark of the post, as demonstrated in following pictures. Install sign on property, facing the driveway, on the left hand side. The sign needs to be easily visible from the road, but not so close from either side that it will be in the way of large trucks entering the driveway or as to interfere with snow plows or road work. 5 to 15 feet from driveway and edge of road is a best guess estimate. Positioning the sign will vary from house to house so we advise, when in doubt, Call a Firewise Committee for advise on positioning your sign or questions. Your Committee can also recommend a Professional to install your sign, if needed..

WHOA Firewise Committee Recommendation for Home Identification: Placing the sign appropriately will vary from house to house. These are just a few instances where you might need to vary the recommendation: Shared access driveways (not named road). Several houses may share a small access driveway, but each will have their own short driveways. The one driveway at the road, must identify all house numbers, then each house must have their own sign designation. Areas where the sign MUST be straight ahead because there is no other angle presented to the fire service vehicles, from the road. Houses that are particularly hidden. These need to be very clearly marked, so as not be missed by Fire Service. Shared Driveway (3 houses off this driveway) Cul-de-sac – only one way in so sign must face forward toward that road. Without a good sign, this house is invisible to Fire Service. In these instances, we recommend you call a Firewise Committee member for assistance.

Address is two sided, seen from both sides of street. Clearly Visible Address Sign (going across top of post): 1 4 9 2 Address is two sided, seen from both sides of street. Reflective numbers on top of sign, AT LEAST 3 inches high, and ½ inch wide stroke Post is 4 feet tall from ground Facing your home, install sign on the left side of driveway approximately 5 to 15 feet straight back from road. Driveway Drainage / Culverts will many times dictate a 12 to 15 foot setback. Make sure shrubs, trees, etc. are trimmed so the sign will be visible from road, but not so close to the road that it would interfere with snow plows or road work.

Address is two sided, seen from both sides of street. 1492 Clearly Visible Address Sign (going up and down on post): Address is two sided, seen from both sides of street. Reflective numbers on top of sign, AT LEAST 3 inches high, and ½ inch wide stroke 4 ft Post is 4 feet tall from ground 3 ft 2 ft 1 ft Facing your home, install sign on the left side of driveway approximately 5 to 15 feet straight back from road. Driveway Drainage / Culverts will many times dictate a 12 to 15 foot setback. Make sure shrubs, trees, etc. are trimmed so the sign will be visible from road, but not so close to the road that it would interfere with snow plows or road work.

EXAMPLE OF 911 SIGNAGE Post is 4 feet high, from ground, With sign on top Sign is actually sideways, facing the driveway. Numbers are on each side of sign and can be seen from either direction the fire truck might come. 5 to15 feet from driveway 5 to 15 feet from road 1492 1 4 9 2 1 4 9 2 1492 Fire Department will come from one direction and turn left into driveway Fire Department will come from another direction and turn right into driveway

EXAMPLE OF 911 SIGNAGE Post is 4 feet high, from ground, With sign on top Sign is actually sideways, facing the driveway. Numbers are on each side of sign and can be seen from either direction the fire truck might come. 15 feet from driveway 15 feet from road Numbers visible from left side of road Numbers visible from right side of road

3. Tree Removal and Trimming of Trees Within 30’ of Structure (When making these decisions, keep in mind, if the tree catches fire, what is the threat to your home? The minimum recommendation for conifers (evergreen or cone bearing) is to remove all conifers to a distance of, at least 12 to 15 feet surrounding the structure, but removal of ALL conifers surrounding the structure, to a distance of 30 feet is highly recommended. Trimming of all conifer tree branches should be 15’ from the ground. We also recommend that tree removal and tree trimming of other conifers within the next 70 feet of the structure; remove all dead and diseased conifers from the property.

The standard recommendation for deciduous trees (trees that shed at end of a season) is their removal depends on the proximity to structure. Trimming to remove overhanging large tree branches and removing diseased trees that could fall and damage the home structure is imperative. Trimming of all tree branches should be from 12’ to 15’ from the ground in the defensible space area. Keeping in mind, if the tree catches fire, what is the threat to your home? After creating your 30 foot defensible area, you should travel another 40 to 70 feet and remove any large accumulations of fire fuels (diseased or downed trees). See Power Point Show: Need and Cost Variables of Hiring Tree Professionals 4. General Clean-Up To Create 30 Foot Defensible Area Surrounding Structure: Remove All Ladder Fuels: Low limbs, underbrush and vines within 30 feet of structure   Remove All Fuel Connectors: All ground fuels touching or within 3 foot of the structure. This includes ornamental shrubs, grasses, weeds, mulch beds, etc.

Remove Ground Cover: Identify the ground cover type Remove Ground Cover: Identify the ground cover type. Remove the ground cover within 30 feet of the structure. This includes long grasses, herbaceous understory or forest leaf litter, shrubs w/leaves (includes creeping or spreading i.e. ground ivy), shrubs w/needles (creeping/spreading, i.e. spreading juniper).  Hire a professional See Power Point Show: Need and Cost Variables of Hiring Tree Professionals

5. Firewood, Debris and Combustibles: Remove firewood piles, gas cans, propane tanks for grills, lawnmowers, pesticides, etc. located from 3 to 30 feet of structure. 6. Other Potential Hazards:   Includes outbuildings and LP propane storage tanks (for gas stoves and fireplaces) within 30 feet of structure. It is recommended that any LP propane tanks within the 30 foot defensible space be surrounded with a 3 inch layer of crushed stone. Additional Recommendations Large Accumulations of Fuels (Downed and Diseased Trees) Beyond the 30 Foot Defensible Area: Each home site will have varied needs with downed and/or diseased trees. In situations where the homeowner has the time, equipment and skill level they may wish to do much of the mitigation activity themselves.

Through various ice storms over the years homeowners have diseased and or dead standing trees including downed conifers (pines) on their properties. Many times these areas are located in areas of steep slopes (terrain). THIS IS PRIME FUEL FOR A WILDFIRE. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to each homeowner who is faced with this situation that they STRONGLY CONSIDER clearing these affected areas. There are economical solutions to removing the built up debris. Mitigating the built up fuel levels many times will require the help of a tree professional who will have both the proper equipment and the skills and expertise to mitigate the problem. A member of the WHOA Firewise Committee can assist homeowners in these situations with ideas and recommendations. See Power Point Show(s): Solutions For Large Accumulations of Fuel Beyond the 30 Foot Defensible Space Need and Cost Variables of Hiring a Tree Professional

Fire Fuels Beyond 30 Foot Defensible Space (up to 70 feet from defensible space perimeter of structure)

Other Capital Improvement Options: Installation of Screened Lattice It is recommended and encouraged that the homeowner considers the installation of screened lattice for areas that collect (trap) leaves which can be a ground fuel connection touching or within 3 feet of the home. i.e. under porches or dwellings. This mitigation effort initiative will cut down on the annual removal of leaves and debris from hard to reach and collection areas that become fuel traps. The total cost will be determined by the cost of the needed materials, number of employees needed to complete the work and the hourly wage. PVP will provide cost quotes to homeowners. See Power Point show: Building and Installing Lattice Panels. Installation of Crushed Stone (as a break between home structure and ground fuels) Crushed stone is great way to provide a break between fuel connection and other ground fuels (other than leaves) and the home structure. The total cost will be determined by the cost of the needed materials, number of employees needed to complete the work and the hourly wage. PVP will provide cost quotes to homeowners. Below are minimum specifications for both homes with post beam foundation (a construction type found in many homes in Sections I, II, and III) and homes with concrete foundations.

Installation of Crushed Stone (continued) Stone Requirements: Size of stone particles should not exceed ¾” and can be limestone, river stone, or other similar native quarried type material.     Crushed Stone Specifications: Post and Beam Foundation: All areas beneath the structure including beneath and beyond all external components (4 feet) such as decks and covered porches. Crushed stone fill should be a minimum of 3” thick. Concrete Foundation wall and footing: All areas extending 4 feet from the structure including beneath and beyond all external components such as decks and covered porches. Crushed stone fill should be a minimum of 3” thick.