As scary as it is, wildfire season will be upon us in the next few months. Catastrophic wildfires continue to increase each year so it is important to make sure you and your family are protected. CAL FIRE encourages all residents to take the necessary steps to be ready for a wildfire. Their “Ready, Set, Go!” preparedness information can be found at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/ready-set-go/.
Be READY: Create and maintain defensible space and harden your home against flying embers.
Get SET: Prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Ensure you have a plan of what to take and where to go – evacuation plans will be different this year due to COVID-19. Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you would be able to stay with them, should the need arise. If you do need to evacuate and plan to stay with friends or relatives, ask first if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have people in their home at higher risk for serious illness. If that is the case, make other arrangements. Check with hotels, motels and campgrounds to learn if they are open.
Also get set by learning about Walnut Creek’s Emergency Plan by visiting https://www.walnut-creek.org/home/showdocument?id=21392. This document contains a detailed plan for City employees and local government staff to assist in their operations during an emergency.
Be ready to GO!: When wildfire strikes, go early for your safety. Take the evacuation steps necessary to give your family and home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.
CAL FIRE has created a series of “Ready, Set, Go!” videos that can be viewed at www.youtube.com/CALFIRE.
In addition, CAL FIRE has a “Ready for Wildfire” app where you can sign-up for text alerts. Please visit the link below. Sign-up only takes a minute.
Stay Safe and Healthy Out There.
Your Northgate-Area CERT Team
If you are interested in learning more about CERT and/or how to become a volunteer, please visit our website at www.walnut-creek.org/cert.
By Judy Caponigro, Northgate CERT Team, Resident since 2016