Tom and Tim:
In the Fall I called the County to get an evaluation of our property. A wildfire expert named Hanna (she lives in West Hills) came by. We first looked at the landscape. Our tree proximity is far enough apart. However, on the spruces, she suggested getting the lower branches cut to about knee height and not making contact with the ground (prevent fire ladders). She next showed me the "lighter test". She activated a lighter and held the flame against our siding for I believe 20 seconds. This simulates an ember that might have blown onto or against the building. If the lighter did not generate the beginning of fire, then an ember should not as well. Finally we talked about a "Go" or "Ready Bag". This is a duffle or backpack that you can grab and go if evacuation is indicated. The bag should contain food and water for 24-48 hours, clothing, prescription medications, documents and important paperwork, pet food and medications, etc. She told me a story of an evacuation where a family tried to bring out their 60+ inch TV. Those items are not important. I have not formulated a designated meeting site for our HOA, which I feel should be established. Finally, we talked about a contact on your phone called SC Alerts which will alert the phone user of potential alerts as an early warning to danger.
Hope this helps.
Curt
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