August 2020
Wildfire Resources
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In this edition:
- Be ready for wildfire:
- Sign up for alerts
- Updated information
- Pack your go bag
- Map resources
- Wildfire cameras
- Create quick defensible space
- Staying safe during the fire:
- Evacuation shelters
- Wind and smoke maps
- Coping tips and resources
- After the burn:
- What you do when you return home
- Fire recovery help
- and more resources
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Dear Neighbors,
In these times when we are being pulled and stretched and tested in so many ways, please know that you are on the minds and in the hearts of the Board and Staff here at the RCD. Our community has pulled through fire, flood, drought, economic depression and political unease before, and we will do it again.
These are the resources that our staff have been using, minute by minute, to stay informed, guided, and comforted during this difficult time.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller
With love and gratitude,
Brittany (Executive Director, GRRCD)
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Gold Ridge RCD wants everyone in the district to stay informed. These alert systems provide essential information on evacuation warnings and orders, extreme weather conditions, and other emergency events. The alerts can be received on your cell phone, landline or email. |
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Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
This system of the Federal Communications Commission works exclusively by sending a text message to your cell phone, much like an Amber Alert. A WEA message is accompanied by a special warning tone. To activate this alert, make sure your cell phone settings are set up to accept these emergency and public safety alerts. (Note: we have heard that there have been some issues with this alert system)
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Access updated information |
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County of Sonoma website: SoCoEmergency.org has updated information about evacuation areas and the wildfires
Radio: Listen to KSRO radio online and on 103.5fm, 1350am
Facebook:
Newsletters:
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Supervisor Hopkins news for the fifth district
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Fire Safe Sonoma county-wide newsletter
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Make a plan + Pack your go bag |
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Get Ready to Go
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Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets.
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Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household.
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Fill-out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
More about evacuation preparedness from County of Sonoma...
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Create defensible space quickly |
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Creating defensible space and hardening homes are tasks we all need to work on well in advance of a fire. But if you feel your defensible space could be improved before you evacuate, these guidelines will help guide your work.
****Cleaning off gutters and rooftops and preparing a non-flammable space in the first 0 to 5 feet around your structure is priority (structure footprint includes attachments like decks and fences)****
Defensible Space Guides
More resources on structural hardening and fire-wise landscaping
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STAYING SAFE DURING THE FIRE |
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Evacuation orders + shelters |
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If your neighborhood has received an evacuation order, it really is important to evacuate. Evacuating makes firefighting easier, safer and keeps all of us out of harms way, too. There are many resources to keep evacuees safe from COVID-19 and sheltered.
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Evacuee Help at Temporary Evacuation Point (for people and livestock): A temporary evacuation point (TEP) has been set up at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa.
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Respiratory Health
Take care of your respiratory health by:
- keeping windows and doors closed
- staying inside when air quality is poor outdoors
- filtering the air in your home with a true HEPA air filtration system to remove smoke
- wearing a mask whenever you go outside
- supporting your immune system with anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods and herbs
Mental Health
This has been an incredibly stressful time. If you need to talk with someone about the stress you are experiencing, you can call the Sonoma County Mental Health and Wellness Support Warm Line. Call (707) 565-2652 for free and private support if you or someone you know is experiencing emotional stress and anxiety during COVID-19. It is open seven days a week, 10:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m.
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What to do when you return home |
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Although wildfire damage can be immeasurable, the danger is not over after the flames are put out. Flash flooding and debris flows, structural damage, road instability, and damaged trees are just some of the dangers that exist after a wildfire. See tips on returning home after a wildfire from CAL FIRE:
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Fire recovery resources to heal rural properties |
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RCD and NRCS Technical Assistance
Gold Ridge RCD will work closely with our partner, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to provide the following services to our district in the event of a wildfire:
- Site visits and planning services for landowners and managers about concerns related to potential erosion, stream impediments, etc.
- Connect agricultural landowners with potential funding resources
- Provide Facts Sheets and Resources
RCD Recovery Resources
Sonoma and Napa RCDs have extensive experience helping north bay residents heal their rural properties after wildfire. See their online recovery resources below:
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The Red Guide to Recovery, by Sean Scott
" The Red Guide to Recovery is a comprehensive, easy-to-read manual, that walks disaster survivors step-by-step through the recovery process. The information it contains puts survivors on a level playing field and also gives them the ability to prepare for recovery ahead of time." |
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We understand if you feel like you still need more questions answered.
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