Wildfires Rage - Do You Know How to Protect Your Home ?

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.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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