For us in Berkeley Fire Zones 2 and 3, and for many others in California. it is not so much a matter of if but a matter of when. And, because wildfire comes so quickly, we have to be fully prepared before an event: when it comes up, it is too late.
Thankfully, We have excellent resources available, many of which are local.
The City of Berkeley
- The City of Berkeley has excellent sections on getting ready for evacuation and on preparing your property for wildfire. If you live in Berkeley, read this first.
Berkeley Fire Department [BFD]
- BFD has an excellent website focused on fire prevention, BerkeleyFireSafe.org. Read this too!
CalFire
Calfire, the department of Forestry and Fire Protection, has a dedicated website on wildfire, called ReadyForWildFire.org. It includes an outstanding section on Wildfire Preparedness in California: Ready, Set, Go!. Their 3-step plan, Ready, Set, Go! is simple and easy to understand.
- “Get ready for wildfires by hardening your home and shaping a safety zone around it” through the creation of defensive space, and fire-smart landscaping and selecting fire-resistant plants.
- “Get set by preparing both your home and family for potential evacuation”: build a wildfire action plan that includes evacuation routes, emergency contacts and safety procedures, prepare your family, and pack a well-prepared go-bag for each family member.
- “Go”—increase your chance of survival and be ready to go at a moment’s notice: follow CalFire’s evacuation guide, get your home ready if you have time, and protect your animals.
American Red Cross
The Red Cross has useful suggestions and checklists for getting ready for wildfire.
FEMA