Mayor David Alfin: Here's what you can do to prepare for wildfire season

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

A recent question from a resident followed by Mayor David Alfin's response with Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill helping to provide some of the information:

“My family just moved to Palm Coast and we’re also new residents of Florida. My neighbors keep telling me wildfire season is coming and I don’t know much about it. Help please!”

April, May and June traditionally signal the driest months of the year when Florida wildfires can be widespread. When it’s dry here, lightning and burning debris are the two most prevalent causes for fire. We can’t do anything to prevent lightning, but we CAN do something to prevent burning flames from spreading:

Ensure that your property’s trees and shrubs are trimmed and that pine needles are removed from your roof and gutters. This may be the single biggest factor in protecting your property.
Be cautious when you are grilling. Don’t dump used charcoal anywhere – soak used charcoal in a bucket of water and dispose of it properly.
Observe the City’s Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Ordinance: a Palm Coast homeowner has a responsibility to mow any vegetation to the ground that is considered a wildfire hazard — in order to provide firefighters a defensible space.
Prepare to leave home with little or no warning. Have your important family, household and financial documents ready to grab in a moment’s notice. Write down the quickest route out of your neighborhood and keep it in your glove compartment for quick access (smoke in a neighborhood easily disorients drivers).
Calling 911 is the best way to ensure that you receive emergency assistance from the closest available resource – don’t worry about trying to call the closest fire station.

Because we are heading into election season, the Observer is pausing "Ask the Mayor," after the April 18 edition. But, we encourage any official or candidate to submit letters to the editor to communicate with the readers.