Ready, Set, Go! Be Prepared for Wildfires
11/08/22
In San Diego county, wildfires, both naturally occurring and human caused, are a major hazard to our communities. San Diego county residents are urged to take steps to assess their wildfire risk, safeguard their homes, and prepare for the next firestorm. You not only increase the safety of your property, but more importantly, you increase the safety of your family.
The County of San Diego’s Office of Emergency Services provides resources through ReadySanDiego.org to provide you with the information you need to better safeguard your family, property, and possessions. First responders can’t do it alone though. Residents, especially those in the Wildland Urban Interface, play a critical role in being prepared for wildfires before, during, and after the next one strikes.
The Wildfire Preparedness Guide is modeled off the Ready, Set, Go! program that is used locally, throughout California, and across the nation. This version is customized for San Diego county, with important local tips and information. Use this guide to get “Ready” by making your home hardened against wildfire by using defensible space and smart fire-resistant building and design choices.
Create and practice a family disaster plan that includes storing essentials like food and water supplies, knowing how you’ll meet up or communicate with each other, where you can safely evacuate to, and other important information.
Be Ready. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place, using the Personal Disaster Plan as a guide. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action.
Get Set. Be prepared. Pack your emergency items. Stay aware of
the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your
local fire department and public safety. Visit SDCountyEmergency.com and install the free SD
Emergency app.
Go! Act early. Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Do not wait to be advised to leave if there is a possible threat to your home or evacuation route. Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke, or road congestion. If you are advised to leave by local authorities, do not hesitate! Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.
Register with AlertSanDiego to receive emergency alerts via email, text, cell and landline phones, and download the SD Emergency App to get the latest emergency updates delivered to your Android/iOS devices.