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Governor McDonnell Announces Start of Virginia Spring Fire Season
– Citizens Should Not Burn Before 4 P.M. –

RICHMOND – As Virginia prepares for the beginning of spring fire season which runs from Feb. 15 through April 30, Governor Bob McDonnell is warning Virginians that the threat of wildfires is increased this year due to Virginia's mild winter.           

"Wildfires in the Commonwealth are very weather-dependent," Governor McDonnell said. "When you combine the effects of the 2011 tornadoes and Hurricane Irene with the relatively mild and dry winter we're experiencing, it adds up to a potentially dangerous spring wildfire season. That's a life safety issue which could affect thousands of Virginians."           

Ninety-five percent of wildfires in the Commonwealth are caused by humans, so citizens need to help the Department of Forestry to reduce the risk of wildfires.           

"The best thing people can do is to obey the law by not burning trash or debris before 4 p.m. each day during spring fire season," Governor McDonnell said. "Virginia's 4 p.m. law has been in place for almost 70 years and is one of the best tools we have for reducing the threat of wildfires. Because humidity levels typically increase and wind speeds usually decrease after 4 p.m., the likelihood of a fire escaping is reduced."

            The Department of Forestry offers additional fire safety tips including: 

• Even if it's after 4 p.m., don't burn if the wind speed is in excess of 20 miles per hour and humidity levels are below 30 percent
• Burn in small piles rather than one big pile
• Before igniting your fire, clear the area around the pile down to bare dirt
• Don't add to the fire after midnight
• Keep a fully charged hose and a shovel on hand to extinguish any spot fires that ignite away from the burn pile
• Dial 9-1-1 as soon as a fire escapes your control  

According to State Forester of Virginia Carl Garrison, more than 40 percent of the 1,114 wildfires in Virginia last year were caused by people burning trash or debris. "These fires threatened the lives of thousands of Virginians and more than 4,000 homes and structures in 2011," Garrison said.           

Starting a fire before 4 p.m. during spring fire season is not only dangerous, it's a Class 3 misdemeanor crime. It can also be very costly. In addition to a fine of not more than $500, the person responsible for an escaping fire is financially liable for the cost of suppressing the fire and for damage caused to another's property.           

"A good-sized fire that escapes someone's control can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars just in suppression efforts," Garrison said. "If your fire burns down the neighbor's home or barn, you could be liable for hundreds of thousands."            

The Department of Forestry will be using a new slogan this year to remind people about the 4 P.M. burn law. "Eager to Burn? Wait Your Turn" was developed by Neal Oberholtzer, a state area forester in Mecklenburg County, as a way to discourage people from burning before 4 p.m. The slogan will be featured on the Department of Forestry's website as a click-through portal to information on wildland fires.           

The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. With nearly 16 million acres of forestland and more than 144,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $27.5 billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1107

Plan to Participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill March 20
Registration is now open for the March 20 Statewide Tornado Drill at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Businesses, schools, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to take part in this critical safety exercise.  2011 was a tough year in Virginia for tornadoes – here’s a look back:

• 51 tornadoes hit, the second highest number on record (87 struck in 2004)
• In April, 10 people died and more than 100 were injured
• Most tornadoes occurred during April, but tornadoes also were recorded in March, May, August, September, October and November
• In April, 212 homes and 17 businesses were destroyed; more than 1,050 homes and businesses were damaged
• Nearly every part of Virginia experienced tornadoes during 2011, including mountainous Southwest Virginia.  Other areas hit: Southside Virginia, Roanoke Valley, Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Middle Peninsula and Hampton Roads
• Many of the tornadoes struck at night – the powerful EF3 twister in April hit Washington County shortly after 11 p.m.

The annual Statewide Tornado Drill is sponsored by the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.  Learn more about tornado safety and how to hold a drill at www.Ready.Virginia.gov.

Winter Weather

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects. Never leave space heaters unattended. Install a smoke detector in every bedroom and on each level of your home. Check the batteries monthly, and replace them once a year at the same time every year.

• In case of power outages, use flashlights instead of candles for light.

• Use generators only outdoors and only in well ventilated areas.

• Make sure outdoor pets have adequate shelter, unfrozen water and food.

• If your household includes someone with special needs (has a disability, requires electricity to operate home medical equipment, needs to go to dialysis, etc.) call your local emergency manager to let them know where you live and what you will need during an emergency.

• Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32° F. If the road is wet, patches of ice are possible, especially on bridges and curves. Avoid using cruise control in winter weather conditions.

• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.

• Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.

• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.

Let me know if you have any questions or need further information. Your time and assistance are greatly appreciated.

Winter months hold the possibility of icy roads, downed power lines and snow drifts. Virginians need to prepare now for cold-weather emergencies and disasters. There are simple, low-cost steps families can take to be ready: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed. To obtain further information on being prepared for winter, visit the following weblink:

http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/winter

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless, gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. With winter months ahead, it is important to understand Carbon Monoxide Safety. Please go to the following link for further information on carbon monoxide safety:

http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Public%20Education/COSafety.pdf

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