IBHS Advises Residents to Stay Alert for Evacuation Orders and Prepare Homes Now as Wildfires Continue to Burn in Central Washington
“Although rain has fallen this morning, it’s still critical that residents living in the Wenatchee, WA area pay close attention to local news and weather reports and evacuate quickly when informed to go,” said Dr. Steve Quarles, IBHS senior scientist and wildfire expert. “Dry vegetation and high winds can quickly alter the path of a wildfire, putting people in harm’s way who thought they were in a safe location. There are steps homeowners can still take to protect their property. These steps can and should be taken long before the wildfire threatens.”
“Creating a defensible space around your property will help slow an approaching wildfire and help keep it from igniting your home or nearby structures and vegetation,” continued Quarles.
Learn how to create defensible space by using IBHS’ infographic below. Visit http://disastersafety.org/wildfire to learn about other effective actions you can take to protect your home and business from wildfire.
Dr. Quarles is available for interviews by contacting Brent Henzi at (813) 675-1035 or ">
IBHS Wildfire Consumer Resources
- IBHS Wildfire Home Assessment & Checklist
http://www.disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/wildfire-checklist_IBHS.pdf - Reducing Wildfire Risk Brochures ?Commercial
http://www.disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Wildfire-Commercial_IBHS.pdfFarm/Ranch
http://www.disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Wildfire-FarmandRanch-_IBHS.pdfResidential
http://www.disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Wildfire-Residential_IBHS.pdf
IBHS Videos
IBHS scientists have developed the unique capability of creating indoor wildfire ember storms using full-scale homes to evaluate the performance of building materials, surrounding vegetation and construction practices.
- IBHS Wildfire Ember Storm Demonstration Highlights (2013)
https://www.disastersafety.org/video/ibhs-wildfire-ember-storm-demonstration-highlights-2013/
- IBHS Wildfire Ember Storm Demonstration Highlights (2011)
https://www.disastersafety.org/video/ibhs-research-center-wildfire-highlights/
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About The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
IBHS’ mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses, and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.
Follow IBHS on Twitter at @DisasterSafety and on Facebook.
