As Wildfire Risk Increases, New PSAs Urge Americans to Recreate Safely Outdoors

The USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council today announced a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign to help Americans recreate safely and responsibly outdoors. The new PSAs include wildfire prevention and safe recreation tips for families and individuals to keep in mind while enjoying public lands or their own backyards.

“We want to welcome people back to their public lands, and we want it to be a safe experience for everyone,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “This partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council will help educate millions of Americans on simple steps they can take to prevent human-caused wildfires and enjoy the peace and solace while recreating outdoors.”

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The new PSAs will encourage viewers to visit BeOutdoorSafe.org for additional safe recreation resources, including tips to consider before taking a trip outside – like checking for park and trail closures, packing soap or hand sanitizer and confirming that the destination park or trail offers enough space for social distancing. BeOutdoorSafe.org also highlights the ways we can all help prevent wildfires while recreating, including by following fire restrictions, properly extinguishing campfires and avoiding parking on tall, dry grass – even if the parking lot is full.

“We know that the great outdoors can do wonders for our physical and mental health, so it’s not surprising that families across the country are spending time outside during these challenging times,” said Michelle Hillman, Chief Campaign Development Officer at the Ad Council. “With so many issues weighing on peoples’ minds right now, we can’t forget this important message: we all have an important role to play when it comes to keeping our safe places safe. We need to work together to act responsibly when spending time outside and continue to do our part to help prevent wildfires.”

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“The single best thing any outdoor recreator can do for their neighbors today is to enjoy the outdoors responsibly,” said Jay Farrell, Executive Director of the National Association of State Foresters. “Just one escaped ember from a campfire can start a wildfire. A single spark from dragging chains on pavement can too. BeOutdoorSafe.org provides us with tools we can use to keep our families and friends safe this summer – let’s put them to work.”

The new safe recreation PSAs, created by production studio BGSTR, will run nationwide in time and space donated by the media. Creative assets will be available for broadcast TV, online video, out of home and social media. This new campaign is an extension of the USDA Forest Service, National Association of State Foresters and Ad Council’s ongoing partnership to prevent human-caused, unwanted wildfires and protect our nation’s public lands.

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