Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County homeowners may receive mail from Cornerstone Strategies, Incorporated concerning a study of residents' opinions and responses to the risk posed by wildfires. The Alachua County Department of Public Safety and International Association of Fire Chiefs are studying homeowner perceptions of wildfire protection in Alachua County.

"It's important that we consult with residents in high-risk wildfire areas so that we have a better understanding of how our citizens view the fire risk," said Chief Will May, Director of the Alachua County Department of Public Safety. "This survey is an efficient way to involve many local residents in our efforts to develop public education programs that are both informative and effective."

Sarah McCaffrey, U.S. Forest Service social scientist who is advising on this research hopes for a high response rate. "It's important that we hear from everyone who receives this survey whether they feel they are knowledgeable or not about the issue of wildfires and how people should prepare for them. The more people who respond, the more accurately this survey will reflect the views of the whole community." Approximately 1,500 homeowners have been randomly selected to participate in a survey, which takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. They will arrive by mail during the month of November. Reminder mailings will be sent to people who do not respond to the first mailing within two weeks.

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