Media Alert: Ignite Your Friends and Neighbors in Wildfire Prevention
Oregon ranks #6 in the US for number of wildfires averaging over 2200 per year. Many fires are started by lightning, but 86% of wildfires are caused by humans.
That staggering statistic means we must work together to combat this growing problem. Especially when federal and state resources are stretched thin.
We must become conscious of how easy it is to spark a wildfire. Campfires, fireworks, cigarette butts, brush piles, ammunition and arson easily burn thousands of acres. Careless actions and accidents put a major strain on Mother Nature and our limited resources.
Considering these extreme facts, here are four simple tasks to protect your family, friends and neighbors from wildfire:
- Create a fire zone around your home: Trim trees and bushes away from home, remove highly flammable shrubs like juniper, clean gutters and remove debris from yard like small limbs and pine combs.
- Create a home inventory: Take video or photos of each room in your home paying close attention to walls, drawers and closets. This is essential if you happen to lose your home to a fire and need to document your belongings for your insurance company.
- Create an Evacuation kit and Plan your Escape: Build an emergency kit with food, water, clothes, medications and essential documents (like your home inventory). Keep it close to the door, identify your escape route and where you will go when the fire strikes. Don’t forget your pet’s needs!
Here to Help Our Precious Pets Blog Post
- Know your Coverage: Take time to discuss your insurance coverage with your agent. Know what to expect when you file a claim and understand the difference between Market Value vs. Replacement Cost.
What You NEED to Know Before a Claim
Wildfire season is here and we must work together to prevent the spark that can destroy our beautiful forests and threaten our homes and families. Take time today to protect your family and your property then take the time to share this with your friends and neighbors so that all Oregonians can work together to prevent wildfires.
RESULT SUMMARY:
Similar media alert was produced for six states as well as a release about Wildfire Preparedness Day. The campaign produced a 62% increase in Wildfire Preparedness Day participation and increased media coverage by 140%. It also earned a PRSA Spotlight award for Public Service.
