\u201cFollowing fire-safe practices can protect your family and home,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent homeowners insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n To keep you and your home safe during these drier days, below are some tips.<\/p>\n Clear out dry vegetation<\/strong>-get ride of pine needles, dry leaves, dead palm fronds, dead sticks and twigs in your yard.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget the roof<\/strong>-remove dry vegetation from the roof and clear out your gutters. Eliminate any overhang from trees as well. Cut any tree branches within 10 feet of your roof.<\/p>\n Mowing<\/strong>-cut dry weeds and grass before noon when temperatures are cooler.<\/p>\n Pick-up<\/strong>-keep woodpiles, propane tanks and combustible materials away from your home, garage or shed.<\/p>\n Water!<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cTo take your home protection a step further, the Florida Forest Service recommends creating a defensible space around your home,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of,\u00a0GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a> Florida\u2019s top independent homeowners insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n A defensible space<\/a>, is Fire Wise landscaping. It increases the likelihood that your home will survive a wildfire even in the absence of firefighters. The U.S. Forest Service<\/a> explains, Fire Wise landscaping<\/a> is designed to minimize the spreading of a forest fire.<\/p>\n Your yard is split in four zones. Each zone represents a certain amount of space that extends from your home.<\/p>\n Zone 1, 0-30 ft. \u201cdefensible space\u201d-plant nothing flammable against your home.<\/p>\n Zone 2, 30-60 ft. \u201cfuel reduction\u201d-use raised beds, stone walkways and patios.<\/p>\n Zone 3, 60-100 ft. \u201ctransition zone\u201d-driveways within this zone provide a break.<\/p>\n Zone 4, 100 ft. + \u201cperimeter zone\u201d-even at a distance, it is important to maintain vegetation.<\/p>\n GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a> offers homeowners insurance<\/a>to fit your budget and your needs. Give us a call or go online for a quote today<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Florida-Forest-Service-Ready_Set_Go-300x148.jpg\")
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