Allstate encourages homeowners to take steps to reduce wildfire risk

Wildfires in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico serve as reminder for all homeowners to take steps now before there's a risk for fire

News provided by

The Allstate Corporation

Jun 29, 2012, 02:05 ET

NORTHBROOK, Ill., June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Few homeowners prepare for a wildfire or take steps to reduce wildfire risk unless one is threatening their home. However, the fires raging in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico, along with the dry, drought-like conditions across the country should have every homeowner taking steps to reduce wildfire risk.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120629/LA33440) 

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Allstate recommends homeowners reduce wildfire hazards by taking a few simple steps that can make a big difference if a wildfire threatens your community.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), homeowners should remove potential fuel sources and create a defensible zone around a home which will dramatically reduce wildfire hazards This may help slow flames or help direct the flames away from your home during a wildfire. Allstate and IBHS also recommend homeowners do the following within 30 feet of most houses to reduce wildfire risk:

  • Eliminate fuel sources like dry landscaping, woodpiles and decks.
  • Prune trees and shrubs.
  • Trim taller trees so lowest branch is no less than six feet from the ground.
  • Remove dead leaves and branches from the yard.
  • Clear branches from around the roof and chimney.
  • Mow lawn regularly and dispose cuttings and debris promptly.
  • Clear roof, gutters and eaves of debris.
  • Maintain your irrigation system.
  • Move firewood and storage tanks at least 50 feet away from the home.
  • Store flammable liquids properly.   

For additional wildfire preparation information, and additional steps that can be taken to reduce wildfire risk, contact your local Allstate agent or visit our catastrophe information center at Allstate.com. The site contains useful information and additional tips on what to do before, during and after a catastrophe.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®," Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation

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