Fire Prevention Tips

Reducing the Risk of Wildfire Threat

Roof

• Remove dead branches overhanging your roof.
• Remove any branches within 10 feet of your chimney.
• Clean all dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters.
• Install a roof that meets the fire resistance classification for "Class C' or better.

Landscape

• Create a "defensible space" perimeter by removing all flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from all structures.
• On steep slopes, remove flammable vegetation out to 100 feet or more.
• Space native trees and shrubs at least 10 feet apart.
• For trees taller than 18 feet, prune lower branches within six feet of the ground.
• Choose ornamental landscaping plants that are fire resistive.
• Reduce the number of trees in heavily wooded areas.
• Maintain all plants by regularly removing dead branches, leaves and needles.

Yard

• Stack woodpiles at least 30 feet from all structures and clear away flammable vegetation within 10 feet of woodpiles.
• Keep propane tanks at least 30 feet from any structure and surround them with 10 feet of clearance.
• Remove all stacks of construction materials, pine needles, leaves and other debris from your yard.

Keeping Cool the Safe Way - Water Safety Tips

• Never leave a child unattended near water.
• A self-closing, self-latching fence should surround backyard pools/spas to prevent children's access to such bodies of water.
• Secure and lock all doors, windows and gates leading to the pool/spa area when not in use.
• Place items, which can be used for climbing (tables, chairs, planters, etc.) away from fences.
• Mount lifesaving devices by the pool in a visible, accessible location.
• Be sure to have a telephone at poolside with emergency number 9-1-1 posted on the phone.
• Remember that inflatable flotation devices are not lifesaving devices.
• Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use.
• Avoid diving and always wade into the water first.
• Don't rely on swimming lessons, life preservers or other equipment to make a child water safe.
• Learn CPR with quarterly Friend and Family classes held at Calistoga Fire Department.
  
  • See CPR First Aid page for current times & dates.

Beat the Heat

• Don't get dehydrated – consume plenty of fluids, especially water, on hot days.
• Make sure your pets have lots of water as well.
• Never leave children or pets in the car during hot days.
• Dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear a hat or umbrella to block the suns rays.
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun and apply sunscreen.

Other Outdoor Summer Fun - BBQs and Bonfires

• Never leave a hot BBQ grill or bonfire unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from grills and bonfires.
• For charcoal grills, only use starter fluid designed for grills – Never use gasoline.
• Do not add lighter fluid to a fire which is already lit.
• Keep lighter fluid out of reach of children.
• Make sure coals are completely extinguished before disposal.
• Never use a barbeque indoors.
• Keep water nearby in case of emergency.

Playground Equipment and Outdoor Activities

• Always supervise children when using playground equipment.
• Minimize risk of injury by using playground equipment properly.
• Minimize risk of bee and insect stings by wearing shoes and light-colored clothing.
• Children should wear a helmet at all times when riding a bike, skateboard, scooter or in-line skates.