Prevention and Education
May
Wildfire Season Is Coming!
Wildland fire season is fast approaching and now is the time to prepare. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the 2013 fire season outlook is expected to be above normal by June and July, while precipitation during this period is expected to be below normal, especially over central California. This significant fire potential should be motivation enough for residents in the wildland urban interface to take proactive steps to help minimize potential losses. However, in our busy lives, we often become complacent, taking on the “if” instead of “when” belief.
The California Fire Alliance lists both West Point and Wilseyville as Communities at Risk for a potential catastrophic wildfire http://www.cafirealliance.org/communities_at_risk/. Hope and denial are not plans to combat this very viable threat to our community. Taking personal responsibility and preparing long before the threat of wildland fire can enable residents to help protect their homes. Becoming aware of, and completing some effective actions, can reduce the amount of families unnecessarily losing their homes and possessions to wildland fire.
Creating defensible space by clearing brush away from your home, using fire-resistant landscaping, and hardening your home with fire-safe construction measures are some beginning steps to help thwart the wildland fire danger. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. When clearing vegetation, use care when operating equipment such as lawnmowers. One small spark may start a fire. Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home, such as a small pond, well or swimming pool. Sweep gutters, roofs, and eaves regularly, and remove dead branches around chimneys.
Being proactive might save your home, your possessions, and your life. Start now!
To obtain informational brochures on defensible space, please contact us at education@westpointfire.org or 209-293-7000.
Additional online resources include the following:
Calaveras County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Calaveras Foothills Fire Safe Council
http://www.calaverasfiresafecouncil.org/index.html
Firewise
http://www.firewise.org/
Cal Fire
http://www.fire.ca.gov/
Be Safe!
Elizabeth Martin
Public Education Officer
Captain Terry Miller
Prevention & Education
Fire Safety Education
West Point Fire Protection District is proud to assist in educating our communities in fire safety. It isn't just the children at the elementary school who can benefit from fire safety education. Did you know that nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes without working smoke detectors? And during winter months, one of the leading causes of home fires is due to heating equipment.
Every year families lose their homes and possessions to wildfire. These losses can be minimized if homeowners take preventive measures and learn how to protect their property. And something as simple as making your address visible during both day and night can assist firefighters in finding you faster in an emergency.
Fire safety education is for everyone. If you or your organization or group has questions or would like to have a fire safety visit, please contact us.
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