SPRING CLEANING

It’s spring-cleaning time! The west coast has experience record rain fall since December 2022. Although great for our local reservoirs and water table, it will also cause higher-than-normal vegetation growth in our open space areas and around our homes. Because of this, it is imperative that time is spent cleaning around the perimeter of our homes and clearing overgrown vegetation during the spring time.

In just two months, we expect to have warm sunny days, and, as we have seen in recent years, more vegetation fires. To best protect your home, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends the “removal of fuel sources from the area around the home – known as the ‘home ignition zone’ – and is a key component to making a home safe from embers and radiant heat from wildfires.”

The Cosumnes Fire Department recommends at least 30 feet of clearance and cleanliness around every home. Simple, low-cost home improvement projects should be focused on during the spring-cleaning time frame, including: clearing dead leaves, debris, and pine needles from roofs and gutters, keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches, removing anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn, and other similar actions can be easily undertaken by homeowners. After months of rain, it is time to enjoy the spring time and prepare for the summer months.