1. Wildfires are an inevitable risk here in California and are a constant threat to people, animals and natural resources alike. It is your responsibility to be prepared for a wildfire with three simple steps; ready, set, go. Getting ready before a wildfire happens is the vital first step, especially before fire season. Step one is assessing your property for adequate defensible space (the space between your house and the neighboring property). This is the most practical first line of defensive to slow or halt the progress of fire. It is also important to keep surrounding brush and foliage well trimmed and without dead branches or leaves. The second step is set and refers to setting a family action plan in case of a wildfire. This includes planning your escape route (which roads will you take) and where your family will go in case a wildfire were to reach your home. The third step is go. This step means staying informed because emergency personnel may not always be able to warn everyone at once. Be ready to GO prior to evacuations and give your family the best chance of survival.
2. Bark beetles are a growing risk to the mortality of trees in California. In times of stress, like extreme drought, trees are unable to fend off bark beetles successfully. Signs of bark beetles include; change in the color of leaves to red or brown in the trees, red coffee ground material at the bottom of the tree, and reddish tubes of sap can alert you to a tree that has unsuccessfully fended off a bark beetle. Homeowners should thin out areas of dense weaker trees on their property in order to help the stronger trees gain access to water and better defend themselves from these pests.
3. On the same website, I learned what else a homeowner can do to help themselves during each different season. The spring season focuses mostly on preparing for the wildfire season to come while winter is the best time for cutting dead trees down. This was helpful because I learned that no matter what time of year you can always be working towards being prepared.
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