IBHS Advises Residents to Stay Alert for Evacuation Orders and Prepare Homes Now as Wildfires Continue to Burn in Central Washington
TAMPA – July 29, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — At least 24 structures were reduced to ashes when the so-called Sleepy Hollow Fire started as a brush fire in central Washington on Sunday afternoon and quickly spread due to hot and dry conditions, underscoring the harsh realities of how quickly a fire can spread and threaten properties this time of the year. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) urges nearby residents to stay alert, heed evacuation orders, and prepare your home and business now.
“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 bhenzi (at) ibhs (dot) org.
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.pdf
Farm/Ranch
http://www.disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Wildfire-FarmandRanch-_IBHS.pdf
Residential
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.
Media Contact: Brent Henzi, (813) 675-1035 or bhenzi (at) ibhs (dot) org
