S.C. Wildfire Prevention Team
May 2, 2005
South Carolina Wildfire Prevention Teams January 10 - February 18, 2005 Report Contents
This report contains the following major sections:
Communication Plan: The purpose of this communication is to assist fire prevention and public affairs specialists in conveying effective fire prevention messages to the public, media, and other related agencies.
Objectives and Accomplishments: This section states the objectives set by each of the three teams and lists the major accomplishments completed for each objective,
Recommendations: The teams identified actions that should be considered to enhance and advance the fire prevention and education program.
Appendix: The appendix contains communication products and supporting material.
The names and responsibilities of team members are included in this section.
2
S.C. Wildfire Prevention Teams Coastal Team 1: Names Agency Position
Steve Moore SCFC Team Leader
Calvin Bailey SCFC Team Leader Assistant Olga Caballero USFS Prevention Specialist Bill Reasonover SCFC Prevention Specialist Gray Vallentine SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Russell Hubright SCFC Public Affairs Officer William Johnson SCFC Prevention Specialist Mickey Walley SCFC Prevention Specialist
Coastal Team 2: Names Agency Position
Calvin Bailey SCFC Team Leader
Mickey Walley SCFC Public Affairs Officer Walt Woodrum SCFC Prevention Specialist Tonee Davis USFS Prevention Specialist Francis Melfi SCFC Prevention Specialist Gray Vallentine SCFC Law Enforcement Officer William Johnson SCFC Prevention Specialist Billy Rutland SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Jonathan Calore SCFC Law Enforcement Officer
Pee Dee Team 1: Names Agency Position
Steve Moore SCFC Team Leader
Russell Hubright SCFC Public Affairs Officer Mike Ney SCFC Prevention Specialist David Hodge SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Rene Todd SCFC Prevention Specialist Michael Weeks SCFC Prevention Specialist
Pee Dee Team 2: Names Agency Position
Steve Moore SCFC Team Leader
Calvin Bailey SCFC Public Affairs Officer Russell Hubright SCFC Public Affairs Officer Bob Ford SCFC Prevention Specialist Brandon Craig SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Ron Holt SCFC Prevention Specialist
3 Piedmont 1: Names Agency Position
Mickey Walley SCFC Team Leader
Tom Patton SCFC Public Affairs Officer Bruce Ballentine SCFC Prevention Specialist Roy Boyd SCFC Prevention Specialist Alvin Feltman USFS Prevention Specialist Chase Folk SCFC Prevention Specialist Russell Hubright SCFC Prevention Specialist Robert Jones SCFC Prevention Specialist Doug Mills SCFC Prevention Specialist Chan Reardon SCFC Prevention Specialist Mike Bozzo SCFC Prevention Specialist/TL Lisa Clark DHEC Prevention Specialist Jonathan Calore SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Barry Farrell SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Robert Risinger Lexington Co. Fire Service Prevention Specialist Piedmont 2: Names Agency Position
Mickey Walley SCFC Team Leader
Russell Hubright SCFC Public Affairs Officer Bruce Ballentine SCFC Prevention Specialist Alvin Feltman USFS Prevention Specialist Tom Patton SCFC Prevention Specialist Doug Mills SCFC Prevention Specialist Chan Reardon SCFC Prevention Specialist Mike Bozzo SCFC Prevention Specialist Roy Boyd SCFC Prevention Specialist Jonathan Calore SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Barry Farrell SCFC Law Enforcement Officer Calvin Bailey SCFC Prevention Specialist
Columbia Support Team Agency Position
Jennie Morris SCFC Team Leader
Anne Kyle SCFC Graphic Artist Michelle Johnson SCFC Web Master
4 Contents
1. Introduction………………….……………….. 6
2. Communication Plan…………….…………… 9
3. Objectives and Accomplishments……….……. 13
4. Recommendations……………………………. 22
5. Appendices…………………………………… 24
i. Key Contact Lists
ii. News Releases
iii. PSAs
iv. “Think Before You Burn” Products produced by I&E Staff
v. Wildfire Prevention Website produced by I&E Staff
vi. Items produced by Wildfire Prevention Teams
vii. Wildland Urban Interface Products used by Wildfire Prevention Teams
Acknowledgements The Team acknowledges the following agencies, individuals and organizations for assisting us in completing our assignment: Jerome Thomas, Stephanie Neal Johnson, Gail White and Gwen Beavans - USDA Forest Service; Interactive Training Media, Inc.; Lexington County Fire Service; Todd Blomdahl - Midway Fire & Rescue; DHEC; Stephanie Beard - Clemson University; Bill Boykin, Cecil Campbell, John Dickinson, Charles Ramsey, and Bob Schowalter - SC Forestry Commission; and others who contributed to the success of our efforts.
5 INTRODUCTION
Executive Summary
Bill Boykin, Deputy State Forester, recommended to the Regional Foresters that Wildfire Prevention Teams be established in all three regions and directed the Wildfire Prevention Working Team to implement this order.
The purpose of these teams was to prevent wildfires by promoting safe debris burning and to reduce loss of human life and property by implementing Firewise principles.
The Wildfire Prevention Teams were activated in all three Regions from January 10th to February 18th, 2005. The teams launched the “Think Before You Burn” Campaign that was developed by the Forestry Commission I&E staff. The teams also continued the “Careful Carolina” Campaign that was developed the previous year by a National Fire Prevention Team on the Francis Marion National Forest. All fire prevention products and messages were widely distributed in Berkeley, Upper Charleston, Williamsburg, Georgetown, Horry, Florence and Lexington Counties.
These teams worked with our cooperators (USDA Forest Service, local fire service officials and DHEC) to help disseminate the fire prevention message.
Expense Report
Coastal Team:
Pre-deployment Cost: $453.00
Deployment Cost: $4,739.00*
News Paper Insert Cost: $448.00
School Letter Printing Cost: $300.00
Total Cost: $5,940.00
6 Pee Dee Team:
Pre-deployment Cost: $446.00
Deployment Cost: $3,133.00*
News Paper Insert Cost: $654.00
School Letter Printing Cost: $1,124.00
Total Cost: $5,357.00
Piedmont Team:
Pre-deployment Cost: $588.00
Deployment Cost: $2,015.00*
News Paper Insert Cost: $1,103.00
School Letter Printing Cost: $490.00
“Did You Know” DHEC flyer printing: $490.00
Total Cost: $4,686.00
* Includes mileage, office expenses, lodging and meals
Total Cost for all Teams: $15,983.00
Total Cost for All Products Produced:
“Think Before You Burn” Brochure - $3,366.00 “Think Before You Burn” Posters - $1,665.00 “Think Before You Burn” Table Tents - $1,313.00 “Think Before You Burn” Door Hangers - $1,537.00 “Think Before You Burn” Acrylic brochure holder - $1,499.00 Reprinting of “Living with Fire” insert - $14,790.00
Total Cost for Products: $24,170.00
7 Background
Over 95% of the wildfires in South Carolina are human-caused; of this number 42% are caused by escaped yard debris fires. With the possibility of below average precipitation, above-average temperatures, and high winds, the potential for widespread damage to property and natural resources, as well as endangerment to lives was evident.
Among the purposes of fire prevention teams are to 1) facilitate community awareness about debris burning, 2) coordinate fire prevention efforts with local agencies, fire departments, businesses, citizens, and civic and homeowners organizations, and 3) promote personal responsibility in the wildland/urban interface.
Statistics show that the overall objective of reducing the number of human- caused fires and acres burned in the nation has been accomplished through the assistance of prevention/education teams. Human-caused fires have been reduced by up to 25 percent.
Many fire prevention/education teams have been successfully deployed throughout the US since 1996. Several Forestry Commission employees have served on national and regional teams.
These teams provide professional, capable, effective response to any potentially severe fire situation. Teams are available to support any area preceding and during periods of high fire danger, wildland fire activity, unusually high fire occurrences, or when the majority of firefighting resources are committed.
8 COMMUNICATION PLAN
Purpose:
The purpose of this communication plan is to assist fire prevention and public affairs specialists in conveying effective fire prevention messages to the public, media, and other related agencies in order to:
1. Prevent wildfires by promoting safe debris burning.
2. Reduce the loss of human life and property by implementing Firewise principles.
Objectives:
1. To inform the public of safe debris burning practices to reduce the number of escaped debris fires.
2. To emphasize the property owners responsibility to protect their property.
Team Mission
Reduce the number of debris caused wildfires in designed areas within the three regions.
Team Operational Goal
Provide consistent applications of wildfire prevention material/campaign development, field support, media coordination, public awareness and information access. This effort will be directed toward multi-state/agency involvement.
9 Key Messages
1. Wildfire season is approaching
2. Most SC wildfires are human caused and debris burning is often the leading cause; therefore, can be prevented.
3. Homeowners can make their own property fire safe by implementing Firewise principles.
Target Audience(s)
Coastal Region: Rural residences and communities at risk from wildfires and/or are in areas of past high fire occurrence around the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley and Upper Charleston counties.
Pee Dee Region: Rural residences and communities throughout Williamsburg County especially south of Kingstree (some work to be done in Georgetown and Horry Counties as well).
Piedmont Region: Rural residences and communities throughout Lexington County especially south of the city of Lexington (i.e. around Pelion, Gaston and Swansea).
Methods
1. Door to door contacts with handouts
2. Contact local media (television, radio, and newspapers)
3. Handouts or exhibits at public events
10 4. Incorporate fire prevention message with wildfire information news releases
5. Conduct LOTE workshops for community leaders.
6. Cooperators contacted such as local Fire Departments and USDA Forest Service personnel
7. Follow-ups with LE/foresters; burn site inspections and burn violation investigations
Work Accomplished Before Team Deployment • decided to concentrate efforts on reducing number of escaped backyard debris burns • chose to incorporate Firewise concepts into team efforts to reduce loss of human life and property • determined to develop contacts and stimulate interest in future “Living On The Edge” (LOTE) workshops • held team member meetings at region offices • conceptualized “Think Before You Burn” theme for fire prevention products (I & E Staff) • developed and procured 15,000 each of the following “Think Before You Burn” products (I & E Staff) • table tent for restaurants • poster for display in stores • brochure for general handout
• chose to incorporate “Careful Carolina” campaign slogan, developed by USFS team in Spring 2004, in messages • contacted local fire departments to line up meetings to raise awareness of team activities and potential for future LOTE workshops • contacted newspapers for insert of “Living with Fire” booklet • contacted Chamber of Commerce for lists of community leaders • set up LOTE workshop for January 19 at Sewee Visitors Center, January 31 at Pawleys Island, and February 16 at Columbia. • set up meetings with civic clubs, fire chiefs and homeowner groups • contacted USFS, USF&WS about prevention team and LOTE workshop & to get information about Careful Carolina campaign
11 • contacted “Living in South Carolina” electric co-op magazine for inclusion of article on wildfire prevention • developed list of area businesses to be included in wildfire prevention material distribution; gathered contact information and latitude/longitude data • contacted area churches about distributing materials at services • researched town council and county council meeting dates • ordered fire prevention materials from Firewise website (www.firewise.org) • categorized residential areas in county by priority with regard to fire risk • scheduled law enforcement safety program for team members • arranged to set up information booths at high school basketball games
12 OBJECTIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Bill Boykin, Deputy State Forester, and the Fire Prevention Working Team provided the purpose and objectives to the wildfire prevention teams.
The following defines those objectives and how they were accomplished.
Objective #1: To inform the public of safe debris burning practices to reduce the number of escaped debris fires. Coordinate with local fire prevention personnel and local fire departments and provide assistance to local areas as requested
Coastal Region
Accomplishments:
¾ Obtained wildfire statistics for Berkeley and Charleston Counties ¾ Obtained an agreement with Berkeley Electric Co-op to include WUI article in co-op magazine. ¾ Categorized residential areas in Berkeley and Charleston Counties by priority with regard to fire risk ¾ Began development of “Think Before You Burn” door hanger
¾ Conducted interview with Post & Courier about safe yard debris burning, fire numbers and causes, and number of SC Forestry Commission firefighters available ¾ Distributed “Think Before You Burn” posters, brochures, and table tents to 73 area businesses, and the Berkeley County Fire Dept. on 4 trap lines: 77 posters, 655 brochures, and 174 table tents were distributed in Berkeley and Charleston Counties. ¾ Revamped PowerPoint presentation of Wildfire Prevention Team message to be used with civic groups
13 ¾ Presented wildfire prevention program to St. Stephen Lions Club and Moncks Corner Rotary Club ¾ Distributed 2200 “Think Before You Burn” brochures and cover letters to children at Bonner Elementary, St.Stephen Elementary, St. James/Santee Elementary, and Cainhoy Elementary to take to their parents ¾ Conducted meeting with Berkeley County Fire Chiefs and distributed wildfire prevention materials ¾ Conducted meeting with Bonneau, Santee Circle, and Lake Moultrie Fire Departments to discuss fire prevention team efforts and WUI issues ¾ Prepared 8 media kits for burn demonstration, conducted yard debris burn demo for the media, and did an interview with TV 4 and TV 5 about how to have a safe debris burn ¾ Made several patrols in Berkeley and Charleston Counties and conducted 21 burn site inspections ¾ Updated fire prevention message for Public Service Channel 6 with Home Telephone Company in Moncks Corner ¾ Developed 7 news releases and distributed to local media ¾ Sent letter and Wildfire Prevention PSA’s to 8 local radio stations
14 Objective # 2: To emphasize to property owners their responsibility in protecting their property to reduce the losses due to wildland fire
Coastal Region
Accomplishments:
¾ Made arrangements for “Living On The Edge” (LOTE) workshop at Sewee Visitors Center ¾ Sent out over 300 invitations to community leaders ¾ Sent out news releases concerning the “Living on the Edge” workshop to be held at Sewee Visitors Center ¾ Made personal contact with community leaders about attending the workshop ¾ Conducted Firewise program for Daniel Island Neighborhood Association ¾ Met with ITM to review LOTE workshop agenda and program ¾ Conducted “Living of the Edge” workshop for 28 community leaders in upper Charleston and Berkeley Counties ¾ Held interview with TV 5 at the Workshop ¾ Coordinated delivery of “Living With Fire” inserts from Columbia and delivered 8500 to The Berkeley Independent and 1200 to The Berkeley Herald ¾ Developed and faxed news release about “Living With Fire” inserts to 2 weekly papers and 1 daily newspaper ¾ Presented Firewise program to 50 people of Awendaw Fire District at their Advisory Council meeting ¾ Sent synopsis of LOTE workshop to US Fish & Wildlife Service for newsletter ¾ Put “Think Before You Burn” logo and Firewise Home Checklist in The Berkeley Herald bulk mailer
15 Objective #1: To inform the public of safe debris burning practices to reduce the number of escaped debris fires. Coordinate with local fire prevention personnel and local fire departments and provide assistance to local areas as requested
Pee Dee Region
Accomplishments:
¾ Obtained wildfire statistics for Georgetown, Horry & Williamsburg Counties ¾ developed list of area businesses to be included in fire prevention literature distribution; gathered contact information and latitude/longitude data ¾ Obtained an agreement with Santee Electric Co-op to include fire prevention message on electric bills for Williamsburg County. ¾ Obtained an agreement with “Living in SC” electric cooperative magazine to place “Think Before You Strike” message in their state wide publication. ¾ Presented fire prevention presentation at Williamsburg County Council meeting ¾ Categorized residential areas in Williamsburg County by priority with regard to fire risk ¾ Made arrangements for “Think Before You Strike” message to be mailed out with Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter ¾ Had “Think Before You Strike” message placed in the Williamsburg Soil & Water Conservation District News Letter ¾ Completed development of “Think Before You Burn” door hanger and had 15,000 printed ¾ Distributed “Think Before You Burn” posters, brochures, table tents and door hangers to 73 area businesses, 18 Churches, 2 Libraries, NRCS office, and the Williamsburg Rural Fire Dept. on trap lines (4): 106 posters, 4552 brochures, 224 table tents and 324 door hangers were distributed in Williamsburg and Georgetown Counties.
16
¾ Revamped PowerPoint presentation of Wildfire Prevention Team message to be used with civic groups ¾ Presented wildfire prevention program to the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and Rotary Club ¾ Called Williamsburg County public schools and school district office to set up placement of 2600 letters and “Think Before You Burn” brochures in “Thursday Folders” for elementary children in 8 schools to take to their parents ¾ Called Williamsburg County Fire Chief to set up a combined training meeting for its members to present our PowerPoint program on Wildfire Prevention. ¾ Prepared 10 media kits for burn demonstration and conducted yard debris burn demo for the media in Horry County and did an interview with TV 13 and TV 15 about how to have a safe debris burn and the process involved ¾ Made several patrols in Williamsburg and Georgetown Counties to conduct burn site inspections. ¾ Made agreement with NextMedia Outdoor Advertising and Adams Outdoor Advertising to put a prevention message on 10 bill boards in the Horry, Georgetown, Williamsburg and Florence Counties ¾ Made agreement with Time Warner Cable to put a wildfire prevention message on their public service cable channel (4) ¾ Sent letter and Wildfire Prevention PSA’s to 4 area communication groups that represent 11 local Radio Stations
17 Objective # 2: To emphasize to property owners their responsibility in protecting their property to reduce the losses due to wildland fire
Pee Dee Region
Accomplishments:
¾ Made arrangements for “Living On The Edge” (LOTE) workshop in Pawleys Island; Stephanie Beard (Clemson University) and Todd Blomdahl (Midway Fire & Rescue) helped with this. ¾ Sent out news releases concerning the “Living on the Edge” workshop to be held in Pawley’s Island. ¾ Sent out over 300 invitations to community leaders ¾ Made personal contact with several community leaders about coming to the workshop. ¾ Met with ITM to review LOTE workshop agenda and program. ¾ Conducted “Living on the Edge” workshop for 65 community leaders in Williamsburg, Georgetown and Horry Counties ¾ Held interview with TV 13 and Georgetown Times at the Workshop. ¾ Sent “What’s Next” Firewise PowerPoint to Georgetown Times. ¾ Made contact with local newspapers about including “Living With Fire” inserts in their papers ¾ Coordinated pickup of “Living With Fire” inserts from Columbia and delivered 3000 to Florence Morning News, carried 4,900 inserts to Kingstree News. Carried 3,150 inserts to the Black News for distribution in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. ¾ Developed and faxed news release about “Living With Fire” inserts to 3 weekly papers ¾ Staffed a Firewise landscaping exhibit at the Horticultural Expo at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
18 Objective #1: To inform the public of safe debris burning practices to reduce the number of escaped debris fires. Coordinate with local fire prevention personnel and local fire departments and provide assistance to local areas as requested
Piedmont Region
Accomplishments: ¾ Obtained wildfire statistics for Lexington County ¾ Developed list of area businesses to be included in fire prevention literature distribution; gathered contact information and latitude/longitude data ¾ Contacted “Living in SC” electric cooperative magazine to place Wildfire Prevention message in their publication. ¾ Provided “Think Before You Burn” door hangers to Lexington County Fire Service for distribution ¾ Distributed “Think Before You Burn” posters, brochures, table tents and door hangers to 56 area businesses, on trap lines (6): 40 posters, 910 brochures, 123 table tents, 497 WUI checklists, 175 DHEC pamphlets, 140 Lexington County ordinance sheets, and 688 law enforcement brochures were distributed in Lexington County. ¾ Called Lexington County School Districts 1 & 4 to set up distribution letters and “Think Before You Burn” brochures for the elementary children to take to their parents. ¾ Prepared 5 media kits for burn demonstration and conducted yard debris burn demo for the media in Lexington and Richland Counties and did an interview with WLTX 19, WISTV 10 and WOLO 25 about how to have a safe debris burn and the process involved ¾ Made several patrols in Lexington County and conducted 15 burn site inspections
19 ¾ Developed and distributed certificate of appreciation for businesses that displayed prevention information ¾ Conducted interview with WVOC radio ¾ Set up information booth and distributed “Think Before You Burn” brochures at Pelion, Swansea and White Knoll High School basketball games ¾ Set up and staffed information booth at Edmund Flea Market ¾ Developed 6 news releases and distributed them to 10 local media outlets ¾ Provided wildfire prevention kit to South Congaree Fire Department ¾ Categorized areas of Lexington County by priority with regard to fire risk ¾ Met with Lexington County Fire Service’s fire prevention officer to discuss prevention team’s effort and WUI issue ¾ Arranged for LCFS’s fire prevention officer and DHEC representative to assist prevention team
20 Objective # 2: To emphasize to property owners their responsibility in protecting their property to reduce the losses due to wildland fire
Piedmont Region
Accomplishments: ¾ Made arrangements for insertion of “Living With Fire” booklet into The State and Lexington Chronicle newspapers ¾ Made arrangements for “Living On The Edge” (LOTE) workshop at Columbiana Conference Center ¾ Sent out news releases concerning the “Living on the Edge” workshop to be held at Columbiana Conference Center ¾ Made personal contact with community leaders about attending the workshop ¾ Met with ITM to review LOTE workshop agenda and program ¾ Conducted “Living of the Edge” workshop for 23 community leaders Lexington County ¾ Coordinated delivery of “Living With Fire” inserts to The Lexington Chronicle and The State newspapers ¾ Developed and faxed news release about “Living With Fire” inserts to 1 weekly newspaper and 1 daily newspaper
21 RECOMMENDATIONS
These recommendations are provided for your consideration and action.
Continue to provide funding through National Fire Plan mitigation funds to support the community leaders’ “Living on the Edge” and homeowners’ “How to have a Firewise Home” workshops. Make personal contacts after invitation letters are sent out.
Establish criteria that could be used and that would identify those times when a team may be needed. Indicators such as season of the year, drought index, and long-term weather forecasts will help in determining when teams are needed. Some of the same parameters that are used by agencies in requesting severity funds are applicable. Continue to educate fire managers and agency leaders about the Wildfire Prevention Teams and their capabilities. Use every opportunity to implement this recommendation. Example: get on regional staff meeting agendas to make a presentation about prevention teams.
Utilize all Wildfire Prevention Cooperators to disseminate information to the field level. Maintain communication with agency representatives, externally and internally.
Continue to provide information on the SCFC Wildfire Prevention Team website, i.e. fire prevention messages.
Send more Forestry Commission personnel to wildfire prevention team member and team leader training. Utilize introductory video (available through USFS) to familiarize potential team members with prevention teams. Selection of personnel for training should be based on experience and interest of the potential trainee.
Continue to foster positive working relationships with community officials and cooperators throughout the regions. Follow up with fire departments on distribution of fire prevention materials and acceptance by the public.
22 Use distribution system (i.e. trap lines) set up during the team operations to continue placing “Think Before You Burn” materials by unit personnel. Assemble kit with fire prevention materials for use by personnel on a day-to-day basis. Report distribution of this material through the use of a checklist turned in on a periodic basis.
Continue to use Law Enforcement personnel to hand out the “Think Before You Burn” brochures when they are doing burn site inspections and to place door hangers in high-risk areas.
Continue to educate the public and use WUI funding for fire prevention activities.
Send thank you letters or certificates of appreciation to cooperators and community members who aid team efforts. Consider hand- delivering certificates to store owners to promote good public relations, re-supply materials, and assess the effectiveness of each distribution point.
Track weather to show effectiveness of team efforts. Look at wildfires caused by escaped debris burns.
Track law enforcement activities to show effectiveness of team efforts.
Utilize yard debris burns and media days to entice news media to promote the team’s fire prevention message.
Make every effort to document all media coverage – purchase tapes of TV spots, use clipping service for newspaper articles, and get copies of radio stories aired.
Publicize team efforts nationwide through national fire prevention team website (www.firepreventionteams.us) and email mailing lists.
23 APPENDIX
The appendix contains supporting materials. The following items are included in this section:
Key Contact Lists…………………………………….p.25 News Releases………………………………………..p.30 Public Service Announcements………………………p.37 “Think Before You Burn” Products (I&E Staff)……..p.39 Wildfire Prevention Website (I&E Staff)…………… p.40 Items Produced By Wildfire Prevention Teams…….. p.41 Wildland Urban Interface Products Used by Teams…p.46
24 Coastal Team Key Contact List Name Position Phone Fax Agency News Angela May Reporter 8438814444 8438492519 Channel 4 Gail White PAO 8035614075 8035614004 USFS Gene Williams Programs 8437618300 Lions Club Asst. Lisa Johnson Principal 8435672813 St. Stephens Elememtary Melvin Rose Principal 8438998950 Bonner Elementary John Spagnolia Principal 8438998075 Cainhoy Elementary Sharlice Rogers Reporter 8438604468 Daniel Island News Daniel Island Homeowners John Dietz Homeowner 8438490719 Assn Anita Craven Lieutenant 8435775734 City of Charleston Police Dept. Mike Rakoske Fire Chief 8439283294 Town of Awendaw Ann Mack Distribution 8437616397 Berkeley Independent Susan Polk Office Mgr 8437616320 Berkeley Herald Dewey W. Ford Marketing 8437619174 Home Telephone Eddie McKnight 8438998424 BEC John Bruce Editor 8037966060 Living in SC Magazine Charlie Kerr FMO 8035614000 8035614085 USFS Stephanie Neal Johnson PAO 8035614091 8035614004 USFS Jim Polk 8437616320 Berkeley Herald Charleston Metro COC 8435772510 Berkeley County COC 8437618238 Greater Summerville COC 8438732531 Mt. Pleasant/ IOP COC 8438499172 William Johnson Forester 8438992221 SCFC Gray Vallentine LEO/ TECH 8438992221 SCFC JP Morgan 8437618328 Rotary Club Dean Smith Kiwanis Club Christine Brown 8437615900 St Stephen Lions Club Lerah Smith Lee Prinicipal St. James-Santee Elementary Media Contact List Name of Contact Office Fax Email Media Type People Title Phone Cell Phone Number Address Remarks Daily Post & Newspape Phillip 843-745- 843-745- Courier r Caston Reporter 5856 5871 Shawn WCSC - Nottingham, Assignme 843-402- 843-402- ch.5- CBS TV Station Harv Jacobs nt Desk 5755 5744 WCIV - ch.4 Assignme 843-723- 843-849- - NBC TV Station Matt Bise nt Desk 4403 2519 Krista Flash, 843-297- WCBD - Susan Assignme 843-884- 2963 843- 843-884- ch.2- ABC TV Station Rogers nt Desk 2222 216-4875 6624
25 WTAT- 843-744- ch.24-FOX TV Station ch.5 does their reporting 2424 The Weekly 843-761- Berkeley Newspape Anna 6397 ext. 843-899- Deadline - Independent r Meadows 226 6996 Friday The Weekly jpolk@ho Berkeley Newspape 843-761- 843-761- mexpress Herald r Jim Polk Editor 6320 6506 way.net
Pee Dee Team Key Contact List
Phone Name Position Organization Numbers Email/Web Address Richard County Williamsburg Treme Supervisor County 843-355-9321 [email protected] 803-212-6132 Yancey (Columbia) 843- McGill State Senator SC State Senate 355-7217 [email protected] Timmy Wbg. County Fire Godwin Fire Chief Dept. 843-355-5238 [email protected] Living in SC O-803-796-6060/F- John Bruce Editor Magazine 803-796-6064 Living in SC O-803-796-6060/F- Beth Hoffman Magazine 803-796-6064 [email protected] Circle T Stables, Chris Tyler Owner Inc 843-251-7341 O:843-354-9622, Trinette B. District ext 114 Fax: [email protected]. Vereen Conservationist NRCS 843-354-5463 gov O: 843-662-8984 Hector Print Image Fax: 843-662-8933 hector@printimagesolutio Hutchinson Owner Solutions Cell: 843-992-6116 ns.com
Media Contact List Name of Contact Office Cell Fax Email Media Type People Title Phone Phone Number Address Remarks Post & Daily Phillip 843-745- 843-745- Courier Newspaper Caston Reporter 5856 5871 WBTW - ch. Eric News 843-317- 843-317- 13 TV Station Walters Editor 1313 1418 WPDE - ch. 843-234- 15, WWMB Victoria News 9733 843-234- - ch. 21 TV Station Spechko Editor x.226 9739 www.wpde.com WPDE - ch. 843-234- 843- 15, WWMB Candace 9733 855- 843-234- csmith@wp - ch. 21 TV Station Smith Reporter x.216 9833 9739 de.com www.wpde.com WFXB - ch.13 does 843-662- FOX TV Station their reporting 4378 Cable Time Clint Market 843-661- 843-661- CVFlorPro Florence
26 Vantage Warner Thompkin Place Dir. 6683 7184 [email protected] Cable s m Time Lisa.robins Cable Warner Lisa Market 843-913- on@pwcab Vantage Cable Robinson Place Dir. 7940 le.com Myrtle Beach 843- mstocks@ Mark General 843-236- 455- 843-236- nextmediag Next Media Bill Boards Stocks Manager 1993 6686 0848 roup.com Myrtle Beach Adams 843- Jpusser@ad Outdoor Jay Account 843-662- 687- 843-667- amsoutdoor. Ads Bill Boards Pusser Executive 4514 4219 4110 com Florence The Kingstree Weekly Linda 843-355- 843-355- News Newspaper Brown 7454 6530 Deadline - Friday Florence Morning Daily Bobby 843-317- 843-317- News Newspaper Tedder 6397 7292 Semi- Jason Weekly Leslie/ Managing jlesley@gto Georgetow Paper Tommy Editor/ 843-546- 843-546- wntimes.co n Times (T,Th,Sat) Howard Reporter 4148 2395 m prefers email Coastal Weekly Charles 843-237- 843-235- editor@scc Observer Newspaper Swenson Editor 8438 0084 oast.net Deadline - Wed. jholleman Daily Joey 803-771- 803-771- @thestate. The State Newspaper Holleman Reporter 8366 8430 com The Black Melvin 803-799- 803-799- scbnews@ News Newspaper Hart 5252 7709 aol.com Richard 843-317- Hemingway Hall (Flo. 6397 rhall@flore Weekly Weekly AM Advertisin 843-558- ncenews.c published Observer Newspaper News) g 3323 om Wednesdays The Sun Daily Kenneth 843-626- 843-626- News Newspaper Gilliard Reporter 0312 0356 Radio WWDM, Station - 803-742- FOX102 FM KoKo 1023 Radio WDKD / Station - Derrick 843-382- WWKT AM/FM Rhems 2361 Radio WYMB / Station - Matt Ops. 843-673- 843-661- WHLZ AM/FM Scurry Director 9250 0888 WJMX, WEGX, WDAR, WPFM, Radio Quantum WDSC, Station - J.J. Communic 843-667- 843-673- WURV AM/FM Summers ations 4600 7390 Radio Station - Jonathan 843-374- WPDT FM Graham 5255
27 Piedmont Team
Key Contact List Name Position Phone Fax Agency Brian Hood 803 209-1007 Lexington Co Fire Service Gary Day Chief 803 359-8150 Lexington Co Fire Service Bradley Anderson 803 545-3705 Columbia Fire Department Debbie Price Urban Forester 803 545-3862 City of Columbia Guy Sabin 803 798-4170 SC Forestry Association Ted Williams 803 779-8717 Riverbanks Zoo Ronnie Cromer SC Senator 803 364-3950 SC Senate Hodge Harmon Board Member 803 359-2454 Lexington County Board
Scott Collins Board Member 803 955-4506 Lexington County Board Walt McLeod Representative 803 345-1538 SC House of Representatives Bill Scott Broad Member 803 584-3451 Lexington County Board Charles Sibley Broad Member 803 781-3647 Lexington County Board Lewis Lee 803 924-5866 Newberry Co Emergency Prep Phil Lindler 864 942-8636 Greenwood Co Planning Dept John Bruce Editor 8037966060 Living in SC Magazine Howard Duvall, Jr 803 933-1202 Municipal Assoc. of SC Donna Foster 864 592-2133 SC Nursery & Landscape Assoc Tim Gillette Horticulturist 803 548-3512 Ann Jennings 803 988-0000 Congaree Land Trust Dan Criswell Reporter 803 309-6518 WIS-TV David Bonds Reporter 803 735-9605 WOLO-TV Mike Thomas 803 545-3705 Columbia Fire Department Donna Jeffcoat Admin Assist 803 779-7373 Lexington School Dist 4 Dir/Community Mary Beth Hill Relations 803 951-8354 Lexington School Dist 1 Lisa Clark 803 896-0620 DHEC Prevention Robert Risinger Officer 803 359-8141 Lexington Co Fire Service
Media Contact List Name of Contact Office Alternate Fax Email Remark Media Type People Title Phone Phone Number Address s 803- 803- Daily Joey 771- 771- jholleman@th drought, The State Newspaper Holleman Reporter 8366 8430 estate.com fires, etc 803 jimmcgowan@ Lexington Weekly Jim 359- lexingtonchron Chronicle Newspaper McGowan Editor 7633 icle.com talked 800 about Aiken Weekly 559- insert in Standard Newspaper Dee Mink 2311 paper
28 Susan- 803 843- WISTV - Elizabeth 758- 803 799- 234- slittlefield@wis assignm 10 TV Station Littlefield 1261 1010 9739 tv.com ents 803 803 - WLTX - Darryl Huger 776- 803 776- 776- news19@wltx. assignm 19 TV Station Editor 9508 3600 1791 gannett.com ents 803 803 WOLO - Christy 735- 803 754- 691- cvaughan@w 25 TV Station Vaughan 9605 7525 4015 olo.com [email protected] WVOC Radio David om Bholmes@wm WMHK Radio hk.com WQXL1470@ WQXL Radio aol.com ypatterson@ic WWDM Radio bsc.com
29 Examples News Releases
PREVENT WILDFIRES
PEE DEE REGION WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM
Contact: Russell Hubright 843-382-8761 or 803-667-1052 January 24, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRE PREVENTION TEAM DEPLOYED IN WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY
(Kingstree, SC) With wildfire season fast approaching in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, a team of wildfire prevention experts was recently deployed to help reduce the number of human- caused fires. In Williamsburg and surrounding counties, escaped debris burns account for over 40% of the wildfires that occur each year. So, this group of specialists from the SC Forestry Commission will be targeting yard debris burners. In addition, FireWise principles will be promoted to emphasize to landowners their responsibility in protecting their property from wildfires. Fire prevention team members will utilize several methods to distribute information to area residents:
• posters will be displayed in stores in lower Williamsburg County • “Living With Fire” booklets will be included as inserts in local newspapers • a media day is planned for Friday, January 28 at 11am at a residence near Conway to demonstrate safe burning practices
• a “Living On The Edge” workshop for community leaders is scheduled for January 31 at the Pawley’s Island Plantation Golf & Country Club to raise awareness of steps that can be taken to protect homes from wildfire
• educational materials will be distributed to area restaurants and convenience stores for display on tables
• brochures will be handed out to residents as team members travel throughout the county
The wildfire prevention team will be in place until February 4, after which local Forestry Commission personnel will continue to promote safe debris burning practices.
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THINK BEFORE YOU BURN
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PREVENT WILDFIRES
PEE DEE WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM
Contact: Russell Hubright 843-382-8761 or 803-667-1052 January 27, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY
BURN DEMO POSTPONED
(Kingstree, SC) Wildfire prevention experts working out of the Forestry Commission’s Kingstree Office had planned to conduct a yard debris burning demonstration tomorrow, but this event has been postponed due to dry conditions. Here are the facts about this event:
DATE: Wednesday, February 2
TIME: 11:00am – 12 noon
LOCATION: Circle T Stables, 2250 Southern Crest Drive, Loris, SC 29569
WEATHER: Event will take place rain or shine. Burn pile has been covered and a small tent will be available within site of the demonstration area to help keep your cameras and personnel dry.
WHAT WILL OCCUR: Prevention team personnel will discuss the methods and products used to convey wildfire prevention messages to area residents. They will give facts and figures about fire causes in Williamsburg and Horry Counties; then they will walk through the steps to be taken to safely conduct a yard debris burn. A small brush pile will be lit as part of this demonstration.
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THINK BEFORE YOU BURN
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PREVENT WILDFIRES
PEE DEE WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM
Contact: Russell Hubright 843-382-8761 or 803-667-1052 January 27, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“LIVING WITH FIRE” INSERT PROVIDED BY SC FORESTRY COMMISSION
(Kingstree, SC) Although wildfires threatening homes may seem to be something you only hear about occurring in the western US, urban sprawl is causing this situation to become more and more common in South Carolina. In fact, over 40 homes are destroyed by wildfires in our state each year. To raise awareness of actions that residents can take to protect their homes from fires, a wildfire prevention team was put in place January 24 in Kingstree. One of the tools this team is using is the insert titled “Living With Fire” that is included in this week’s paper. Please read the information carefully and begin taking steps to reduce the risk to your home and family from wildfire.
In addition to informing citizens about protecting their homes, the prevention team has been tasked with reducing the number of wildfires by promoting safe debris burning practices. Over 40% of the nearly 5,000 wildfires that occur each year in South Carolina are caused by debris burns that escape and become forest fires. Here are a few simple steps that will greatly reduce the chances of your yard debris burn from getting out of control:
1. Watch the weather closely – don’t burn when it is dry or windy. 2. Contact the SC Forestry Commission – it’s the law and you will be told if it is unsafe to burn. 3. Clear an area around your pile so that the fire will not spread. 4. Have a source of water and tools handy and stay with your fire until it is safe to leave.
For more information, contact your local SC Forestry Commission office.
Yard debris notification numbers: Williamsburg County – 1-800-517-9643 Georgetown County – 1-800-986-5256
-END- THINK BEFORE YOU BURN
32
PREVENT WILDFIRES
PEE DEE WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM
Contact: Steve Moore 843-382-8761 or 843-992-9551 January 28, 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY
“LIVING ON THE EDGE” WILDFIRE SURVIVAL CLASS SCHEDULED
BACKGROUND: Over 4,500 wildfires occur each year in South Carolina. As urban sprawl increases, more and more of these fires threaten homes that are being built on the edge of forested areas. During this workshop, forestry officials will explain proactive steps that community leaders can take to reduce homeowners’ risk for property damage from wildfires. DATE: Monday, January 31 TIME: 8:30am – 4:30pm, best time for interviews Æ 10:00am – 11:00am LOCATION: Pawleys Island Plantation Golf & Country Club ADDRESS: 70 Tanglewood Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585-7457 ATTENDEES: Mayors, city and county council members, fire chiefs, city planners, developers, landscape architects, homeowner association presidents, and other community leaders from Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, and Kingstree were invited. Over 80 participants have pre-registered.
WHY MEDIA SHOULD COVER THIS EVENT: • raise public’s awareness of threat of wildfires burning homes • provide homeowners with measures to take to protect their property • show community leaders taking proactive steps to avert disaster
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THINK BEFORE YOU BURN
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PREVENT WILDFIRES
PEE DEE WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM
Contact: Calvin Bailey 843-382-8761 or 843-908-4593 01 February 2005
MEDIA ADVISORY
BURN DEMO PLANNED
(Kingstree, SC) Careless debris burners cause more than 40% of wildfires in South Carolina every year. Wildfire prevention experts working out of the Forestry Commission’s Kingstree Office are planning to have a yard debris burning demonstration tomorrow. The purpose is to show how to safely conduct outdoor burning. Here are the facts about this event:
DATE: Wednesday, February 2
TIME: 11:00am – 12 noon
LOCATION: Circle T Stables, 2250 Southern Crest Drive, Loris, SC 29569
WEATHER: Event will take place rain or shine. Burn pile has been covered and a small tent will be available within sight of the demonstration area to help keep your cameras and personnel dry.
WHAT WILL OCCUR: Prevention team personnel will discuss the methods and products used to convey wildfire prevention messages to area residents. They will give facts and figures about fire causes in Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg Counties; then they will walk through the steps to be taken to safely conduct a yard debris burn. A small brush pile will be ignited as part of this demonstration.
-END-
THINK BEFORE YOU BURN
34
PREVENT WILDFIRES
PEE DEE WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM
Contact: Steve Moore 843-382-8761 or 843-992-9551 04 February 2005
PEE DEE WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM WRAPS UP AFTER TWO WEEKS (Kingstree, SC) To raise awareness of actions that residents can take to protect their homes from wildland fire, a wildfire prevention team was put in place January 24 in Kingstree. The team concluded its activities in Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties on Feb. 4. Team objectives included informing the public about safe outdoor debris burning practices and property owner responsibilities in protecting their property to reduce the losses due to wildland fire.
SC Code of Laws Section 48-35-10 states “Starting fire in woodlands, grasslands, and other places shall be unlawful unless certain precautions are taken.” These precautions include notifying the SC Forestry Commission prior to the burn, clearing the area around the site, assuring adequate personnel and equipment are available to keep the fire from spreading, and making sure the fire is under control before leaving. SC Code of Laws Section 16-11-180 concerns “Negligently allowing fire to spread to lands or property of another.” If your fire escapes, you will be fined. If it damages property, you will be liable. It is also against the law to burn household garbage and trash, tires, chemicals, plastics and building materials anywhere in South Carolina.
The awareness phase has been completed. In the near future, law enforcement teams will come into the area and enforce the burning laws. This follow up action will lead to increased law enforcement action in the area. In the course of two weeks the team spoke at fire chiefs’ meetings, fire department meetings and civic club meetings, conducted a “Living on the Edge” workshop for community leaders, distributed fire prevention materials to 74 local businesses, and conducted courtesy burn site inspections for homeowners actively doing outdoor burning. The team was well received by community leaders and hopes to reduce the amount of forest fires in the area as a result of its actions.
For more information, contact your local SC Forestry Commission office.
-END-
THINK BEFORE YOU BURN
35
PREVENT WILDFIRES
COASTAL WILDFIRE PREVENTION TEAM
Contact: Russell Hubright 843-899-2221 or 803-667-1052 January 12, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRE PREVENTION TEAM DEPLOYED IN BERKELEY COUNTY
(Bonneau, SC) With wildfire season fast approaching in coastal South Carolina, a team of wildfire prevention experts was recently deployed to help reduce the number of human-caused fires. In Berkeley and surrounding counties, escaped debris burns account for over 40% of the wildfires that occur each year. So, this group of specialists from the SC Forestry Commission and USDA Forest Service will be targeting backyard debris burners. In addition, FireWise principles will be promoted to emphasize to landowners their responsibility in protecting their property from wildfires. Fire prevention team members will utilize several methods to distribute information to area residents:
• posters will be displayed in stores near the Francis Marion National Forest • “Living With Fire” booklets will be included as inserts in local newspapers • a media day is planned for Friday, January 14 at 11am at the SC Forestry Commission’s Bonneau office to demonstrate safe burning practices
• a “Living On The Edge” workshop for community leaders is scheduled for January 19 at the Sewee Visitors Center to raise awareness of steps that can be taken to protect homes from wildfire
• educational materials will be distributed to area restaurants and convenience stores for display on tables
• brochures will be handed out to residents as team members travel throughout the county
The wildfire prevention team will be in place until January 21, after which local Forestry Commission personnel will be available to assist landowners in safe debris burning.
-30-
THINK BEFORE YOU BURN
36 PSA’s Dear Abby:
Woman: Did you see that letter to Dear Abby from the wife of a firefighter? She says millions of Americans now live in the “wildland-urban interface”. And when fires threaten those areas, firefighters may risk their lives trying to save whole communities.
Man: Yeah, but that just happens out west. . . Denver, Albuquerque, places like that.
Woman: That’s what I thought too, until I talked to my friend at the Forestry Commission. She says they fight fires in the interface all the time.
Man: Interface?
Woman: Neighborhoods like ours where houses are built in the woods.
Man: Not much we can do about it, I guess. We don’t want to move.
Woman: Well there are some things we can do, some things the neighborhood can do. A website — firewise dot org — has suggestions about landscaping and home construction. The Forestry Commission puts on Firewise workshops for high-risk communities. They’ll help with a neighborhood plan too.
Man: Maybe we should look into it.
Woman: www dot firewise dot org
Paid for by the National Fire Plan
37
Horry County:
Did you know that the South Carolina Forestry Commission fights thousands of wildfires every year? If you live within the sound of my voice, your area has more than its share.
Firefighters say they rarely fight a forest fire that doesn’t threaten a home or neighborhood. So if your home is in or near the woods, it’s vulnerable.
But you don’t have to be a victim. There are some steps you can take to help firefighters protect your home. And you and your neighbors can make your community a little safer.
A program called Firewise has suggestions for making your home firesafe. Some are simple, like keeping your roof clear of leaves and pine straw. Firewise helps you assess your neighborhood too. Is there more than one road in and out, are there turnarounds, fire hydrants…?
The Forestry Commission and your fire department want to keep wildfire away from your home. We’ll work with you. Call your local Forestry Commission office for information about Firewise.
Paid for by the National Fire Plan
38 Products
Items Produced by I & E Staff Used by Wildfire Prevention Teams during deployment.
Brochure and Table Tent:
Poster:
39 Fire Prevention Web Site
40
Products
Items produced by Wildfire Prevention Teams during deployment.
PSA in “Living in SC” Magazine
41
PSA in Williamsburg Chamber Newsletter
42 Power Bill PSA
43
Billboard PSA
Cable TV PSA
44 Door Hanger:
45 Wildland Urban Interface Products used by Wildfire Prevention Teams during deployment. These materials were developed by SC Forestry Commission I&E staff and other organizations.
“Living on the Edge” CD
“Living With Fire” Insert
46 Firewise Brochure Landscaping Brochure
Firewise Communities Checklist SC Laws Brochure
47 DHEC Brochure
48