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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
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Title: |
Texas Urban Wildland Interface Exhibits
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Type: |
Education
Demonstration projects
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Jurisdiction: |
State
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State: |
Texas
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Program Description: |
Texas Forest Service has created a unique traveling exhibit as part of its public education program for living in the Urban Wildland interface. The van has been very popular, and has traveled throughout the state of Texas. A second van is now under construction,which will be bi-lingual for spanish speakers. There are also two stand-alone exhibits.
MOBILE EXHIBIT
The mobile exhibit van is beautifully painted with scenes of the regions of Texas complete with wildlands, vegetation, and construction similar to those found in rural areas. The trailer depicts homes in wildlands, and firefighters fighting a blaze. Manned by Texas Foret Service personnel, the van contains a wealth of information on defensible space and firewise living.
The exhibit trailer opens on two sides, to display televisions which air a seven minute DVD featuring character Tex Forester telling of devastating fires, and sharing step-by-step fire prevention tips. Inside, the van features two computers which run a CD interactive game. Players test their firewise knowledge as they play. If they make a mistake, they can see quickly through computer simulation how mistakes lead to forest fire.
Interior illustrations depict fire's devastation to home and family. Maps of the U.S. and Texas show the locations of wildland fires, and the number of lives and homes lost to those fires. A construction panel features fire-resistant building materials such as brick, treated lumber, fiberglass shingles, tempered glass, and shutters.
A model home features defensible space landscaping, showing the amount of space Texas Forest Service recommends be cleared of debris and hazardous vegetation, and replaced with fire-resistant landscaping. A Defensible Space Wheel is mounted on the exhibit doors, allowing homeowners to calculate the needed buffer zone around their homes. The wheel accounts for slope, landscape and vegetation type, and the height of the home. Other information depicts anticipated fire behavior by fuel types. Viewers can take home brochures with defensible space information, safety checklists, how to create a fire-evacuation plan, landscaping and other fire safety tips.
The exhibit is featured at home and trade shows, state and county fairs, festivals, schools, and conventions.
STAND-ALONE EXHIBITS
The two stand-alone units consist of a 10 ft. panel depictng fire scenes, crews creating defensible space, a picture of the "Poolville Fire", and maps of Texas and the US showing large wildland fires. A model home shows recommended building materials, and a videotape explains Urban Wildland Interface information. One unit is located at the LCRA education center, called McKinney Roughs, outside Austin, Texas. The second exhibit will be in the Aransas area. Smaller tabletop units will be placed in the TFS Regional Fire Coordiators' regions. Each exhibit has brochures for the public to take home and review.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information on the Texas traveling Urban Wildland Exhibit, contact Mary Leathers via email or call her at 254-840-9086. You can visit the website for more information too.
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