Small steps can go a long way toward reducing your home’s risk from wildfire. It’s never too early or too late to start.
But start where? And do what, exactly?
“‘Create defensible space’ and ‘harden your home’ can sound pretty overwhelming and confusing,” said Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, director of the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management.
“Our goal at Be Wildfire Safe and Ready is to provide people with small action steps they can take that can go a long way toward protecting your home in the event of wildfire.”
Everyone who lives, works or visits San Mateo County is invited to the first-ever Be Wildfire Safe & Ready event, coming up on Saturday, April 26, at the San Mateo County Event Center.
The free event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include:
- Presentations on steps residents can take to protect their homes and property.
- Information on California’s updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps.
- Resources from local governments, civic groups and businesses.
- How to pack a “Go Bag.”
- How to sign up for emergency and severe weather alerts.
- Hear from fire professionals and residents who have survived wildfire about what it is like in a wildfire situation, and what was most helpful to them.
- And more.
“We can’t always stop wildfires from starting. But we can prepare for them by reducing the risk to our properties and families if we take steps now,” Dhapodkar said. “It’s always time to get started, and this event can help make it easier.”
What: Be Wildfire Safe & Ready
When: Saturday, April 26
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: San Mateo County Event Center
1346 Saratoga Dr.
San Mateo
Sandra Firpo
Department of Emergency Management
sfirpo@smcgov.org