As climate change contributes to more frequent and intense disasters, including wildfires, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) wants to remind all Californians about the importance of always being prepared.
As the state recognizes May as Wildfire Awareness Month, there are steps you and your family can take now to be ready for wildfire.
Prep Now to Reduce Stress Later
An emergency like a wildfire can cause a lot of stress, especially if you need to leave your home quickly. Taking steps now to prepare, can help alleviate some of the stress caused by emergencies.
- Sign up for local alerts at CalAlerts.org
- Make a plan
- Talk with family and neighbors about what you’ll do during an emergency
- Know where you’ll meet family members outside the danger zone
- Pack a go bag with essential items for you, your family and your pets
- Food and water
- Important documents
- Medication
- Phone charger
- Pet supplies
- Learn multiple evacuation routes out of your neighborhood
- Help friends and neighbors who might need additional assistance in an emergency
Cal OES Tours State to Honor Wildfire Preparedness Week
As part of Wildfire Awareness Month, Cal OES recognizes May 1-7 as Wildfire Preparedness Week. In collaboration with CAL FIRE, Cal OES toured the state to talk about the importance of being ready for wildfire.
Wildfire Preparedness Week stops include:
- San Bernardino County
- Santa Barbara County
- Merced County
- Amador County
- Shasta County
State Investments in Emergency Services
As the state faces increased challenges during fire season, Cal OES has dedicated enhanced technology, more personnel and additional equipment to help keep Californians safe, including:
- California Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center
- Serves as California’s integrated central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting, weather information and threat intelligence gathering and analysis
- Next-Generation Situation Awareness and Collaboration Tool (Next-Gen SCOUT)
- Provides the first responder community and supporting agencies a web-based tactical and operational response platform to assist with communication, coordination and collaboration
- Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS)
- An all-hazard, crewed fixed-wing aircraft utilizing cutting-edge sensors and substantial computing power to provide enhanced information within minutes of arriving to an incident
Meeting our Mission for a More Resilient California
The state is also investing millions of dollars to protect our most at-risk communities, ensuring they have the outreach and education needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters of all kinds, including wildfires.
Learn more at Listos California where there’s culturally competent resiliency resources in many languages.
Additional Resources
Wildfire Preparedness Week 2023