UPPER HASTINGS RANCH ASSOCIATION (UHRA)

Hazard Mitigation - Making Families & Communities Safe

Pasadena Fire Department Quick Tips

Hazard Mitigation is the actions and measures that either prevent the occurrence of a disaster or reduce the severity of its potential effects. The benefits of hazard mitigation are -


• Saves lives, property and money
• Limits the type(s) and extent of damage
• Reduces the economic impact of disasters
• Facilitates response and recovery efforts
• Minimizes disruption of services
• Expedites return to normalcy
• Reduces the likelihood of failure to critical systems; water, electricity & communications

EXAMPLES OF HAZARD MITIGATION:

STRUCTURAL
Effective building codes, water detention basins and elevation of buildings

NON-STRUCTURAL
Awareness & education, land use management and planning & preparedness

Over the last several years our organization, along with help from the Federal Emergency Management Authority, has been increasing the public’s awareness of hazard mitigation. Here’s what you can do!

WILDLAND FIRE
• Replace roofing with fire-resistant materials.
• Use fire-resistant materials when building, renovating, or retrofitting structures.
• Install a spark arrester on your chimney and keep your chimney clean.
• Clean roof, and gutters regularly - remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Remove tree limbs within 15-feet of the ground and stovepipe chimney outlet.
• Prune tree branches & remove vines from walls of the house.
• Store gasoline, rags & flammable materials in approved containers away from house.
• Stack firewood at least 100-feet away and uphill from your home.
• When landscaping, select materials & plants that help contain fire rather than fuel it.
• Create "fire break" separating home from combustible plants & vegetation.

HIGH WIND
• See professional to reduce potential damage to roof, gable and garage doors.
• Install lightning rods to carry the electrical charge safely to the ground.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs.
• Secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, trash cans, and hanging plants.

EARTHQUAKE
• Install flexible fittings to avoid gas or water leaks.
• Bolt the frame of the house to the foundation.
• Place large & heavy objects on lower shelves securely fasten to the walls.
• Install strong latches on the cupboard doors.
• Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling.
• Bolt book cases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Strap water heater to the wall studs.
• Move chemical or hazardous objects to lower shelves.
• Secure computers or stereo equipment to desks and shelves.
• Purchase earthquake Insurance.

For more information please call the Disaster Training Coordinator at 744-7276