Being Prepared: Wildfire Season

Wildfires threaten San Diego County year-round but become especially prevalent during these hot, windy Summer and Fall months. Numerous times in the history of our diocese, wildfires have decimated population areas, leaving people without homes, businesses, or anywhere to go–let alone the lives tragically lost.

EDSD’s Diocesan Office stands ready to assist churches in preparing for these troubling times. We have encouraged and assisted churches in developing and implementing multi-purpose Emergency Operations Plans. Every plan includes procedures to prepare for and react to wildfires. Ask your church leadership about the Emergency Operations Plan and what to do in case of an emergency. Being prepared is important and can save lives in a crisis.

We only need to recall events like the Witch Creek Fire in 2007, which burned nearly 200,000 acres, or the Cedar Fire, which tore through San Diego County in 2003 and burned more than 273,000 acres, to know how fast a wildfire can change a community. These fires started suddenly and wreaked havoc on surrounding neighborhoods and homes. 

In EDSD, we aim to keep people safe. Having an up-to-date Emergency Operations Plan is so important to us that in 2016 Diocesan Convention passed a resolution requiring every church in the diocese to prepare one. Is your church plan up to date?  

Here are six basic steps to prepare for a wildfire:

Create a Defensible Space

• Clear Vegetation: Clear flammable vegetation at least 100 feet from structures to maintain a defensible space around your home.
• Landscaping: Use fire-resistant plants and create firebreaks using non-flammable materials like gravel or stone.
• Tree Maintenance: Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from roofs and remove dead plants and tree debris.

Home Hardening

• Roofs and Gutters: Install fire-resistant roofing materials and keep gutters clear of leaves and debris.
• Vents: Cover attic and crawl space vents with metal mesh to prevent embers from entering.
• Windows and Doors: Install double-pane or tempered glass windows and ensure doors are fire-rated and have tight-fitting seals.

Emergency Kit

• Supplies: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
• Go-Bag: Have a go-bag ready for each family member with personal items, clothing, and necessary supplies.

Evacuation Plan

• Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes and practice them regularly.
• Communication: Establish a family communication plan and designate a meeting point.
• Pets: Include pets in your evacuation plan, ensuring you have carriers, leashes, and food.
• Practice:  Practice your evacuation plan on a regular basis.

Stay Informed

• Alerts: Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather conditions and fire updates through reliable sources.
• Community: Stay connected with your community and local fire department for current information and resources. Make contact with emergency providers in your area (such as the Red Cross) to find out how your church can support their work in case of an emergency.

And…

• Make sure a full record of parishioners and their contact information is available to church leaders somewhere other than the church location.
• Create a phone tree that can be deployed to contact parishioners in case an evacuation order is issued in your area.
• Consider whether your church facility could be used as a temporary shelter or respite area for evacuees and how you would support them.

Preparing for a wildfire involves proactive planning and continuous awareness. By taking these steps, you can enhance your safety and protect your property in the event of a wildfire. If your church community needs help in preparing an Emergency Operations Plan, please contact EDSD Safety Officer Jeff Green at jgreen@edsd.org and visit www.edsd.org/disaster for more resources. 

WILDFIRE PREPARATION RESOURCES

HOW TO PREPARE FOR WILDFIRES (CDC):

https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/index.html

READY FOR A WILDFIRE (CALFIRE):

https://readyforwildfire.org/

CALFIRE INCIDENT TRACKING:

https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

FEMA WILDFIRE INFORMATION SHEET:

www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/wildfire-information-sheet.pdf

PREPARING FOR A WILDFIRE EVACUATION (INFOGRAPHIC):

https://resqme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Get-ReadyInfographicWeb_page_001.jpg

WILDFIRE EVACUATION PREPARATION CHECKLIST (INFOGRAPHIC):

https://surefirecpr.com/wp-content/uploads/surefirecpr-wildfire-checklist-infographic-back-4-01-1.jpg

HOW TO PREPARE FOR WILDFIRES (READY.GOV):

Https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/how-to-prepare-for-a-wildfire.pdf

BE SMOKE READY:
www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready