Let's state the obvious. We live in a windy climate! Winds blow almost constantly, not just in stormy weather. And here's another obvious fact: Winds can be damaging. So just a few common sense tips and suggestions will go a long way to minimize any damage and negate your liability to third parties. Here are but a few:
*Keep your trees trimmed! Not only can blown-down branches and limbs damage your house and property--if a limb or branch blows down on your neighbor's roof, or auto, or fence, or other structures, YOU are liable for the damage! Keep your trees trimmed, especially any branches growing over your neighbor's property.
*Fire prevention. You're planning to barbeque on Sunday. Sunday comes along, and it's gusting 40 mph outside. Don't fire up the grill and put your property and your neighbors' property at risk; postpone that cookout!
*Controlled burn. The same goes with a controlled burn. On the day it's planned, if the winds are howling, do yourself--and all your neighbors around you--a big favor. Put it off!
*The cookout. Even moderate winds can upset the smaller grills, a recipe for a hostile fire. Make sure your grill is in a protected, well ventilated spot along your patio or deck. Don't tempt fate!
*Keep fences in good condition. If a particular fence panel has blown loose, minimize your effort and expense by getting it repaired. Loose fence panels are like dominoes: If one blows down, you can bet it's going to take down even more!
*Lawn furniture. Don't let your lawn chair, or the umbrella covering your lawn table, become launched missiles. On those gusting days bring the lawn furniture into the garage, or storage shed. It only takes a handful of moments that can potentially save you some serious dollars!
Posted Friday, April 25 2014 1:46 PM
Tags : windy, gusting winds, fire prevention, controlled burn, hostile fire
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