When building or remodeling in the City of Austin, you need to be mindful of the threat of wildfire and build with as much resilience as possible. Implementation of the Wildland Urban Interface Code for the City of Austin began in January 2020.
To see the details about the code and materials currently approved, visit
this web page:
If you have questions about specific materials or about details in the code, contact the Austin Fire Department’s Wildfire Division at [email protected]
2023 NWACA Annual Meeting – APD Office of Community Liaison Presentation
Christian Mendoza described the work of the Austin Police Department’s Office of Community Liaison, with details about the program he manages for the senior population.
2023 NWACA Annual Meeting – AFD Wildfire Division Presentation
Chris Vetromile from the AFD Wildfire Division described the current activities of the Austin Fire Department and why it’s important for all of us to be vigilant in hardening our homes against wildfire damage.
2023 NWACA Annual Meeting Slides
This presentation at the 2023 Annual Meeting described the events and activities of NWACA for the year, and it includes the Oak Wilt presentation that was done.
Neighborhood Watch Resources
Web sites with information about crime prevention and neighborhood safety.
Neighbor Guidebook (PDF)
This booklet is for neighbors who are members of a Neighborhood Watch group.
Block Captain Guidebook (pdf)
This booklet is used by those who organize neighbors into a Neighborhood Watch group.
Invasive Species Guidance
Learn about which species are invasive in Central Texas, with photos to help identify them
here
2022 05 12 NWACA Annual Meeting Vision Zero handout
This trifold describes the efforts in NWACA in 2022 to promote zero pedestrial crashes in our neighborhood.
2022 05 12 Annual Meeting – WUI Code Slides
This presentation by James Duff from the Austin Fire Department's Wildfire Division describes the recently adopted Wildland Interface (WUI) Code and how it affects NWACA.
2022 05 12 Annual Meeting Slides
These slides were used by NWACA President Robert Nash to run the meeting, and they include the presentation by Jon Plum on Preventing Oak Wilt.
Ashe Juniper Reference Document
This document provides a description of the positive contributions of the Ashe juniper (aka cedar) tree to the Central Texas environment, as well as dispelling a number of myths about the tree.
Guidance on Oak Wilt in NWACA (PDF)
How to avoid oak wilt in NWACA, with information about financial support from NWACA if treatment is needed
Guidance on Oak Wilt for NWACA Residents...
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NFPA Fact Sheet – Immediate Area by the House
This fact sheet addresses the hazards of combustible material within the 5-foot zone around a home and how to mitigate the risks.
Tree Care Kit from Texas A&M
Texas A&M has a deep collection of guidance about managing your trees. The "kit" comes in several forms: a web site, downloads in various forms, and general information. See this A&M Tree Care Kit link for all the details....
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2019 05 01 Annual Meeting Slides
May 1, 2019 NWACA Annual Meeting presentations, covering the events of the past year, the role of the Travis County Constable, how to minimize the impact of wildfire, caring for oak trees, recycling, 4th of July plans, and Loop 360 improvement projects.
NFPA Fact Sheet – Eaves
This fact sheet from the National Fire Protection Association gives guidance for ways to ensure that the area under eaves is well-constructed and prevents ember intrusion during wildfire.
NFPA Fact Sheet – Skylights
This fact sheet from the National Fire Protection Association gives guidance on how to prevent skylights from being an entry point for embers during wildfire.
NFPA Fact Sheet – Roofs
This fact sheet from the National Fire Protection Association describes ways to reduce the risks to roofs during wildfire.
NFPA Fact Sheet – Exterior Sprinklers
This fact sheet from the National Fire Protection Association describes the use of exterior sprinklers to minimize the possibility of home ignition, but warns that other methods are probably more practical.
Central Texas is in a long drought cycle, despite occasional rain. Dry NWACA landscapes and the homes within are vulnerable to wildfire because we live in a greenbelt with a lot of wildfire fuel in its dead and down material. Our homes are most at risk from flying embers. They can be made relatively safe by removing debris, sealing all points of entry from flying embers, and clearing dead and dry vegetation. If you haven’t yet done so, please get a free home assessment to help you identify your risks. Use the Home Firewise Risk Evaluation form in the Be Involved menu on the home page.