(ARA) -To some, the danger from potential wildfire
is obvious while others don’t realize the threat until a fire rages
at the backdoor.
According to a recent survey commissioned by
Safeco Insurance, more than eight of 10 respondents in three of the
country’s top hotspots said they were concerned about the threat of
wildfires. Yet less than half of those surveyed were able to recall
prevention steps they could take to defend their property in the event
of a wildfire.
The wildfire awareness survey, conducted by The
Gilmore Research Group in the areas of Bend, Ore., Flagstaff, Ariz.,
and Denver, is part of Safeco’s ongoing commitment to raise awareness
of wildfire threat and defense measures. Local fire officials across
the country have partnered with Safeco through the nationally recognized
“FireFree” program, which encourages community involvement, personal
responsibility and homeowner education on the steps consumers can take
to mitigate wildfire damage.
"Homeowners can make the difference between their
home surviving a wildfire or burning to the ground," said Gary Marshall,
fire marshal for the city of Bend. "We've learned that we simply cannot
depend on firefighting alone; we need to focus on prevention and personal
responsibility. That's why programs like FireFree are so important."
“While the survey confirms most residents in
these high-risk areas are concerned about wildfires, a large portion
of residents are still not taking the steps necessary to protect their
homes from fire damage," said Rose Lincoln, Safeco Community Relations
director in Seattle. “Safeco is not only looking to educate consumers
in areas that have experienced wildfires, but also those in areas that
have not had a recent wildfire but are at risk,” she said.
Wildfire disasters in 2002 constituted the second-worst
fire season in half a century (2000 was the worst). More than 74,000
wildfires charred 7.4 million acres across the United States last year.
Present weather forecasts don't promise any relief in 2003. According
to the National Interagency Fire Center's National Wildland Fire Outlook
for 2003, El Nino has brought not only warmer temperatures and a dry
summer to the western United States, but an even longer fire season.
Here’s what you can do
There are actions you can take to give your home
a fighting chance against the threat of wildfire. Safeco’s FireFree
program offers 10 easy steps for building a buffer around your house
to reduce the intensity and risk of a wildfire from starting or spreading
to your home.
1. Define your defensible space.
2. Reduce flammable vegetation, trees and brush
around your home.
3. Remove or prune trees.
4. Cut grass and weeds regularly.
5. Relocate wood piles and leftover building
materials.
6. Keep your roof and yard clean.
7. Keep signs and addresses visible, and keep
the home accessible.
8. Rate your roof for flammability.
9. Regularly recycle yard debris and branches.
10. Know what to do when wildfire strikes.
For more detail and additional tips on how to
protect your home and family from the threat of wildfire, visit www.safeco.com/wildfire.
Courtesy of ARA Content
