Fire Department Recommendations for Homeowners

1.  Minimum 12 foot gates, 12 foot wide driveways with gentle curves and no trees or large rocks along the very edge of the driveway. Trim trees above the driveway or roadway to a minimum 12 - 13 feet height. We recommend a turn-around spot in front of your house or just down the driveway for Emergency vehicles for access and egress. Ambulances are equally wide and tall..

2.  Your address is your landmark. Please install reflective address identification with a minimum of 3, preferably 4" high letters and numbers. Mark addresses on mailbox and next to your driveway where they are visible from both directions on your street. Help us maintain road and street signs in your area.

3.  If you have an above ground water storage made of plastic, fiberglass, or concrete which holds more than 500 gallons of water, we recommend that you put a 2-1/2" NH male fitting with cap on your tank. The fitting should be male treaded with a safety cap and conform to National Hose Thread standards. We can draft out of your tank with our portable fire pumps or brush truck.

4.  Please have a minimum 30 to 100 feet of defensible space around your house to guard against wildfires. With this space we can defend your home, outbuildings, pump houses, sheds, barns, etc.

5.  Before you burn brush outdoors, please call the Hays County Sheriff s Department Communications Office at (512) 393-7896. Report to them what you are burning and where. Have an on-site water supply.

6.  For gated communities, residents with electric gates, and commercial buildings, we recommend KNOX-BOX Rapid Entry Systems for faster emergency response to avoid forced entry damage. Visit www.knoxbox.com for information concerning Knox Boxes, Key Switches, and Padlocks.

7.  For information concerning these recommendations or tips on fire safety, contact the Ron Hayes Fire Station at SMR by calling (512) 754-0166. Ask for Captain Craig Tilton. Or you can contract the fire district on the internet at:

www.southhaysfire.com   OR   chief@southhaysfire.com