Fire Safety

How do I prepare for wildfire season?

Johnson County experiences wildfire risk, especially during dry conditions. Protect your property with these defensible space measures:

  • Clear vegetation within 30 feet of structures (mow grass, remove dead plants)
  • Trim tree branches 10 feet from your roof and chimney
  • Remove debris from gutters, roof, and under decks
  • Stack firewood at least 30 feet from structures
  • Use fire-resistant materials for roof, siding, and landscaping
  • Create fuel breaks using gravel pathways or driveways

Keep garden hoses connected and ready. If a wildfire threatens your area and you're told to evacuate, leave immediately. Your life is more valuable than property.

More Answers About Fire Safety

Fire Safety
Why is my smoke alarm chirping?
If the detector is chirping and no sign of fire or smoke is present, replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job and the risk of dying in a fire increases greatly. Smoke detector batteries should be changed when you... Read The Rest
Fire Safety
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
Yes! Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. Every home should have at least one CO detector on each level, especially near sleeping areas. CO detectors should be installed if you have:Gas appliances (furnace, water heater, stove, dryer)Fireplace or wood-burning stoveAttached garageAny fuel-burning equipmentReplace CO... Read The Rest
Fire Safety
How many smoke alarms do I need?
One smoke alarm isn’t enough! You should have at least one smoke alarm in every bedroom and in the hallway outside each bedroom. A typical three-bedroom home would need at least four properly installed smoke alarms to provide a reasonable amount of protection for your family. Smoke rises, so the... Read The Rest
Candles Cause Over 7,000 House Fires a Year
Candles are responsible for thousands of house fires annually, most often in bedrooms and living rooms. Never leave a burning candle unattended, keep them away from anything flammable, and consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles for a safer alternative.
You Have Less Than 3 Minutes
In a modern home fire, you may have less than 3 minutes to escape once the smoke alarm sounds. Synthetic materials in furniture and building products burn faster and hotter than natural materials, cutting escape time dramatically compared to 30 years ago.