Turnarounds:
Dead end roads without a suitable turnaround area are a deterrent to firefighters.
Homes located at the end of long driveways should have turnaround areas for fire equipment.
Homes located at the end of long driveways or dead-end roads should have turnaround areas suitable for large fire equipment.
Turnarounds can be a cul-de-sac with at least a 45-foot radius or a location suitable for a 3-point turn.
Road Width and Grade:
Roads and long driveways that are too steep may prevent firefighters from protecting a home.
Roads should be at least 20 feet wide and long driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a steepness grade of less than 12 percent.
Address:
The address should be clearly visible from the street.
The home address should be readily visible from the street. The address sign should be made of reflective, noncombustible material with characters at least 4 inches high.
Driveway Clearance:
Remove flammable vegetation extending at least 10 feet from both sides of the driveway. Overhead obstructions (overhanging branches and power lines) should be removed or raised to provide at least a 13 1/2 - foot vertical clearance.
Turnouts:
Narrow roads and long driveways should have turnouts to allow for evacuation and the arrival of firefighting resources.
Homes located at the end of long, narrow streets and dead ends can deter firefighters and complicate evacuation. If possible, create turnouts in the driveway and access roads that will allow two-way traffic
Street Signs:
Street signs should be noncombustible.
Street signs should be posted at each intersection leading to your home. Each sign should feature characters that are at least 4 inches high and should be made of reflective, noncombustible material.
Gated Driveways:
Electronically operated driveway gates require key access for local fire departments and districts.
Secondary Road:
When communities only have one way in and out, evacuation of residents while emergency responders are arriving can result in traffic congestion and potentially dangerous driving conditions. A second access road, even one only used for emergency purposes, can improve traffic flow during a wildfire and provide an alternate escape route.
