• Roofing should be made of noncombustible materials such as composition shingles, tile, slate, cement shingles, sheet metal or aluminum.
• Trim trees so branches reach no closer that 10 feet from the house and power lines.
• Plant low, less flammable plants near the house.
• Clean debris from gutters and remove fallen tree limbs.
• Inspect chimneys at least twice a year and clean once a year. Maintain fire dampers.
• Stack firewood away from house.
• Have a 30-foot noncombustible fire break around your house.
• If the house is on a slope, leave a 100-foot buffer zone since wildfires travel fastest uphill.

Respond:

• If evacuation is necessary, take your Disaster Supplies Kit (kit discussion just ahead).
• Make sure to provide good access for emergency vehicles.
• Plan at least two escape routes. One by car and another by foot.
• Have a ladder available that is long enough to reach your roof.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools:
  • Rake
  • Ax
  • Hand saw or chain saw
  • Water bucket and shovel

     

What is the worst natural disaster that could happen in Oregon in terms of human hardship and economic loss?

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