University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is once again coordinating the collaborative efforts of federal, state and local fire services, public safety agencies, community organizations and others to participate in Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month throughout May. This year's message is "Improve Your Odds-Prepare for Wildfire!" to stress that with advance preparation, a home's ability to survive a wildfire can be greatly improved and families can evacuate safely ahead of damaging and deadly wildfires.

"This message is especially important now, as we continue to face severe drought conditions. Residents who take action to prepare their homes to survive a wildfire before one begins can significantly improve the chances that they will survive a wildfire," said Ed Smith, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension natural resource specialist and co-manager of the Living With Fire educational program. "When whole neighborhoods work together, their chances improve even more as they work toward becoming fire adapted communities."

Events are scheduled across the state to encourage residents to take action. Nevadans are invited to find activities in their area at http://www.livingwithfire.info/calendar to learn about the steps they can take to prepare their homes for wildfire.  

For more information on Nevada Wildfire Awareness Month and for information on how to reduce your wildfire threat, visit www.LivingWithFire.info or contact Sonya Sistare at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, sistares@unce.unr.edu or 775-336-0271.