Water

Additional water supplies can be a beautiful feature of your firewise landscape.

Though your home’s fire resistance should not depend on a water supply, water supplies that are available after the power goes out and are easy for firefighters to find and use may save your home. Pools and ponds not only look great and provide recreational opportunities, but make excellent firebreaks, improve wildlife habitat, and are excellent sources of water.

Additionally:

• If you depend on a well for your water supply, consider purchasing a gas-powered generator to provide back-up power to the pump in the event of losing electrical service.
• Consider developing an emergency water supply.
• If you install (or have) an on-site back-up source of water, make sure it is well marked and accessible to firefighters.
• Make at least 2,500 gallons of water available for emergency backup.
• Clearly mark water supplies and provide access to fire trucks. Firefighters usually need at least 16 feet to access a water source.
• Make sure hoses, sprinklers and/or your irrigation equipment is well maintained.
• Use your water wisely and concentrate irrigation efforts in the areas immediate surrounding your home.
• If you are not able to water your lawn regularly, keep the turf short.