Here is an article that I wrote on the subject of leaf cleanup. Please let us know if you want to be placed on our weekly leaf blowing schedule:
Changing the way you deal with Fall leaves and debris may save your home from fire.
Due to the fact that we work in the green industry and since this topic is something that we deal with on a regular basis, we felt that this information should be sent out as a Public Service Announcement to the community
The fire of November 2016 taught our community some important lessons. Searching for ways to reduce the danger of fire to structures in our area and in striving to provide safe as well as reliable service; we have changed the way we approach leaf blowing in the Fall and we think you should know why. In short, it was noted that when the leaves had been moved away from structures it resulted in reducing the chances of the building catching fire. We have researched the topic and felt that providing this information may introduce you to a resource that can provide information to help you make your property more safe.
The following is information cited from the National Fire Protection Association website NFPA.org about ways to help prevent fires around the structures on your property:
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire
Immediate zone
The home and the area 0-5’ from the furthest attached exterior point of the home; defined as a non-combustible area. Science tells us this is the most important zone to take immediate action on as it is the most vulnerable to embers. START WITH THE HOUSE ITSELF then move into the landscaping section of the Immediate Zone.
- Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.
- Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.
- Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening.
- Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers.
- Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
- Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.
We may not be able to completely remove the risk of fire but every little bit helps. We highly recommend that you at least clean off the roof, clean out the gutters and remove the leaves from around the cabin and decks.
Please remember that this is NOT all of the information provided on the NFPA.org website. We STRONGLY recommend that you research this information for yourself.
On a personal note, operating the maintenance company, Cardinal Custom Lawn Property Maintenance Solutions, www.CardinalCustomLawn.com Serving as a Realtor with Marty Loveday and Associates www.MartyLoveday.com/John-Suttles/ as well as authoring the Smoky Mtn Cabin Owners’s Manual www.TheCabinOwnersManual.com (which has an entire chapter devoted to fire safety). It is my sincerest hope that passing around this information will help save precious lives. As always, please contact us with your Real Estate or Property Maintenance needs.
John is a recognized and highly respected author, educator, and businessman with a reputation for helping individuals and organizations create helpful and sustainable results.