KEEP HOME ACCESSIBLE TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES          

 

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The idea of making a driveway accessible to fire and rescue vehicles is not something any homeowner often considers. But when an emergency strikes, quickly getting a firetruck close to a home is critical.

Make sure your driveway is accessible for firefighters by taking a few suggestions from Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

            Clear brush to provide at least 12 feet of driveway clearance so fire trucks can safely pass. Pruning tree branches to allow at least 15 feet of overhead clearance will allow taller vehicles and equipment easy access.

            To ensure that a fire truck can change locations quickly, driveways should provide a turnaround with a radius of at least 50 feet.  This will also provide tanker trucks bringing water to the scene, room to come and go.  Turnarounds are especially important when driveways are more than 200 feet long.

            A wide space in the driveway that allows another vehicle such as a fire engine to pass is also recommended. The widened area should be at least 10 feet wide and 30 feet long.

            The main road that intersects the driveway should be as close to a 90 degree T as possible to facilitate turns from both directions. Culverts and bridges must be able to support the weight of a fire vehicle. A standard-sized fire truck with water weighs a minimum of 20 tons.

Consult your local fire department for additional recommendations. 

For more information on protecting your home from wildfires, pick up a copy of “Protect Your Michigan Home from Wildfire” (MSU Extension bulletin E-2831) at your county MSU Extension office, or visit <www.msue.msu.edu/emergency>.

#lp/mk#