Despite Watauga County's recent flirtation with snow showers and the more prevalent cold rain and snow flurries, the winter has been atypically dry and has left our abundant vegetation uncommonly susceptible to wildfire.

This week is Prescribed Fire Awareness Week in North Carolina. By destroying fuel such as pine straw and forest litter, prescribed fires reduce the risk of wildfire to people and homes.

But homeowners should do more than wait for a prescribed burn. It is possible to lessen the likelihood of damage from wildfire by taking precautions on your own property. One resource guide for those precautionary steps is the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety ( http://www.disastersafety.org/), which offers a “Wildfire Retrofit Guide — Southeast edition” ( http://www.disastersafety.org/content/data/file/WLF_Southeast.pdf) that speaks to building styles unique to North Carolina.

Preparing for wildfires means more than cleaning gutters, roofs and our property. It means that we take ownership in our community and safeguard it to the best of our abilities. Neighbors helping neighbors begins in our own backyard.