Keeping you out of harm’s way.

At Avista, we constantly think about safety - yours and ours. To help you with yours, we have some tips for you regarding fire safety.

When it comes to wildfires, creating defensible space is the most important safety measure you can take to protect your home. Defensible space, a vegetation buffer of at least 30 feet around your house, greatly reduces the chance of fire reaching your home.

Our tree trimming operations along public rights-of-way help us maintain reliable service because it lowers the risk of downed lines and fire hazards. So, if you see trees or branches in the wires, please call us immediately.

When it comes to private property, it’s the owner’s responsibility to keep trees and branches clear of the power lines. And we recommend you hire a professional tree trimmer for this.

Here are some other suggestions for preventing fire in and around your home:

• Consider installing sprinkler systems.
• Trim trees and branches away from your rooftop.
• Keep your gutters free of leaves and pine needles.
• Make sure that your roof is non-combustible material.
• Cover exposed decks, porches, or foundations with skirting.
• Move firewood away from your house.
• Screen your chimney and burn barrel to contain burning embers.
• Follow burn bans, rules and laws.
• Have a hose and fire tools readily accessible outside, especially when burning debris.

If there is a fire, firefighters need access, an adequate escape route, and defensible space to effectively defend your home.

You make it easier for them by:

• Displaying your address where it is clearly visible
• Widening your driveway so a fire truck can enter and turn around

You can plan ahead for possible fire emergencies by equipping your home with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and escape ladders inside, as well as fire-safety equipment outside. You should make sure all your family members know where the equipment is, how to use it and how to summon help. Also, it’s a good idea to create an escape plan for you and your family and practice it at least once a year.