Public Service Announcement Regarding Texas Wildfires

Office of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst —Wildfires pose a threat throughout Texas. Whether you live near open grassland or in a suburban area, fire can threaten your home and your safety. An estimated 90 percent of all Texas wildfires are caused by human activity. As we have seen, high winds and dry conditions can set the stage for potentially severe fires, putting lives and property at risk.

Texans can help prevent fires by doing the following:

• Avoid burning trash 
• Do not use fireworks 
• Never toss a cigarette out of a car, and put out cigarettes on the ground 
• Be careful when pulling off a road or driving into a field 
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy when working outdoors with hot equipment

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. If a fire approaches, take the following actions:

• Know all evacuation routes leading out of your neighborhood 
• Shut off gas at the meter and turn off propane tanks 
• Wet down the roof and shrubs within 15 feet of your residence 
• Close doors, windows and vents to prevent drafts

For more information on fire safety and advisories, please visit the Texas Forest Service website at:

http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu or contact your local volunteer organization to learn how you can help Texas families devastated by these fires.