WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – White County Public Services Director David Murphy encourages all residents to be Firewise.

Simple steps you can take today will help protect you and your property from wildfires.  As seen this weekend in White County and near Unicoi State Park, our communities are vulnerable to wildfires.  Our hazard profile lists wildfires as one of the threats facing our county.

Below is a list of “Things You Can Do Today” to maintain a survivable space.

• Clean roof surfaces and gutters of pine needs, leaves, branches, etc., regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials.
• Remove portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney.
• Maintain a screen constructed of non-flammable material over the flue opening of every chimney or stovepipe. Mesh openings of the screen should not exceed 1/2 inch.
• Landscape vegetation should be spaced so that fire cannot be carried to the structure or surrounding vegetation.
• Remove branches from trees to height of 15 feet.
• A fuel break should be maintained around all structures.
• Dispose of stove or fireplace ashes and charcoal briquettes only after soaking them in a metal pail of water.
• Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
• Propane tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area clear of flammable vegetation.
• All combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, boats, etc. should be kept away from structures.
• Garden hose should be connected to outlet.
• Addressing should be indicated at all intersections and on structures.
• All roads and driveways should be at least 16 feet in width.
• Have fire tools handy such as: ladder long enough to reach the roof, shovel, rake, and bucket for water.
• Each home should have at least two different entrance and exit routes.

You can learn more about the Firewise program at this website, gatrees.org/fire-prevention-suppression/firewise-usa-program or contact your local Emergency Management Office.