Real Estate News, North Carolina

Firewise Communities Provide Peace of Mind

NC mountain communities
Published on December 6, 2016

Help is on the way to the victims of the WNC fires and Tennessee wildfires. The Chimney Tops 2 fire in Gatlinburg has been blamed for 14 deaths. More than 17,000 acres of the Great Smoky Mountains Park have been destroyed. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set. Several families in Tennessee have seen their homes and valuables destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Meanwhile, NC mountain communities are seeing some relief. Firefighters have been able to contain the majority of the WNC fires and free up resources to help battle the Chimney Tops 2 fire.  Hundreds of Tennessee residents had to evacuate their homes as firefighters work laboriously to contain the blazes.

While investigators say arsonists are responsible for some of the fires, the wildfires in addition to the dry climate created a dangerous combination and left residents of Tennessee and NC mountain communities little time to gather belongings before fleeing the area. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were 68,000 wildfires last year. That’s why The National Fire Prevention Association has created a Firewise Community plan to encourage homeowners to be proactive in protecting their lives and properties. 

Our friends at The Coves Mountain River Club have achieved Firewise certification.  They are among a small handful of NC mountain communities that have been proactive and have met the 5-point guideline to be certified. A Firewise Community is aware of its risk for a wildfire and has come up with a plan of attack. With unpredictable weather forces like drought and El Nino, having a plan in place can make a big difference for homeowners. Also is having a strong sense of community and volunteers. Being surrounded by water helps too! Having four waterfalls and five miles of frontage on the Johns River adds even more value to living at The Coves. 

The Coves is located in the foothills of North Carolina at an elevation of 1,100-1,700 feet. Amenities at the gated community include a mountaintop lodge, infinity-view swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, full service equestrian ranch, community parks and gardens and more.  While there’s no place on earth immune to natural disasters, there are preventative things we can do to minimize the damage. 

Below is a list of wildfire precautions from the National Fire Prevention Association.

PRIOR TO A WILDFIRE

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.

• Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. Learn more about the basics of defensible space on the Firewise website.

• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.

• Wildfire can spread to treetops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.

• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.

• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

• Learn more about how to protect your home and property at www.firewise.org. 

CREATING AN EMERGENCY PLAN

• Assemble an emergency supply kit and place it in a safe spot. Remember to include important documents, medications and personal identification.

• Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.

• Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place.

• Learn more about emergency preparedness planning on NFPA’s emergency planning webpage.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Contact your local planning/zoning office to find out if your home is in a high wildfire risk area, and if there are specific local or county ordinances you should be following.

• If you are part of a homeowner association, work with them to identify regulations that incorporate proven preparedness landscaping, home design and building material use.

• Talk to your local fire department about how to prepare, when to evacuate, and the response you and your neighbors can expect in the event of a wildfire.

• Learn about wildfire risk reduction efforts, including how land management agencies use prescribed fire to manage local landscapes.

• Learn how you can make a positive difference in your community.  

DURING THE TIME OF A WILDFIRE

• Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire department. Get your family, home and pets prepared to evacuate.

• Place your emergency supply kit and other valuables in your vehicle.

• Move patio or deck furniture, cushions, doormats and potted plants in wooden containers either indoors or as far away from the home, shed and garage as possible.

• Close and protect your home’s openings, including attic and basement doors and vents, windows, garage doors and pet doors to prevent embers from penetrating your home.

• Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water. Firefighters have been known to use the hoses to put out fires on rooftops.

• Leave as early as possible, before you’re told to evacuate. Do not linger once evacuation orders have been given. Promptly leaving your home and neighborhood clears roads for firefighters to get equipment in place to fight the fire, and helps ensure residents’ safety. Be sure to take insurance documents and valuables with you.

AFTER A WILDFIRE HAS BEEN CONTAINED

• Continue to listen to news updates for information about the fire. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

We’re thankful to the 5,000+ firefighters from across the country reportedly have joined in to battle the WNC fires and the Chimney Tops 2 wildfires and are confident the end is near.  When you’re comparing NC mountain communities, be sure to ask if they’re a certified Firewise Community like The Coves Mountain River Club.

Call The Coves Mountain River Club directly at 828-754-0700 to schedule a tour.