Plant Smart, Stay Safe: Protect Your Home With Safe Landscaping & Maintenance
Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) is working to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout our service territory. Through regular vegetation management practices and working to harden our systems, we are proactively working to reduce risks and improve the reliability of our local system. As a customer of LMUD, there are steps you can take to prevent wildfires around your home and property.
- Clear Vegetation and Debris: Maintain a defensible space around your home by removing dry leaves, dead branches, and other flammable materials.
- Follow Burn Regulations: Always check with your local fire district for burn restrictions in your area. Avoid outdoor burning on windy days or when the surrounding areas are dry.
- Use Equipment Safely: Tools like lawnmowers or chainsaws can spark and cause a fire. Use them during cooler times of the day and keep them in good working condition.
- Plant For Safety: Keep grass mowed to under four inches and incorporate fire-resistant plants in your landscaping to protect your home and keep it green.
- Clean Gutters: Remove leaves, tree needles, and other debris from your roof and gutter systems.
- Plant Trees Away From Power Lines: When planning your home’s landscape, it is important to select the right tree for the right place. Planting trees in the right places will enhance your property value and prevent costly trimming and damage to your home in the future.
- Safe Fuel Storage: Store BBQ propane tanks and other fuel sources at least 30 feet away from your home or other outbuildings. Keep vegetation trimmed at least 10 feet away from permanent fuel tanks.
- Firewood Storage: Keep firewood piles and lumber 30 feet away from any building.
- Exterior Home Materials: Ensure your home’s siding and skirting are in good quality condition. Install fire-resistant or non-combustible roof/siding made of materials including asphalt, metal, clay, tile, or concrete.
In the event of a wildfire or other emergency, every second counts.
Ensure your property is easily accessible and identifiable to first responders.
- Clearly display your house number on your home, mailbox, or curb - especially in residential neighborhoods.
- In rural areas or homes with long driveways, post reflective or highly visible house numbers at the entrance where your driveway meets the main road.
- Keep driveways wide enough and clear of obstructions so emergency vehicles can safely enter and exit your property.
Taking these simple steps can help emergency crews locate and reach your home faster when it matters most!