While San Marcos was hit hard by wildfire this May, the City of San Marcos has been actively reviewing emergency plans and resources to ensure the community is prepared for the peak fire season still ahead.
“It is no secret that San Marcos and all of southern California often sees a brutal fall fire season,” said San Marcos Fire Chief Brett Van Wey. “Considering extreme weather conditions and drought, risk is particular high this year and we must all step up our preparedness game.”
To prepare, regional fire agencies and the County of San Diego is recommending residents take a “Ready, Set, Go!” approach for peak fire season.
Residents are asked to get “ready” by creating or maintaining at least 150 feet of defensible space – but to do so only early in the morning when the grasses are still dewy to prevent sparking a fire in the dry heat of the day.
Residents can also get “ready” by making an emergency plan and gathering emergency supplies.
If a fire breaks out, San Marcos residents can get “set” to evacuate by: subscribing to the City’s e-alerts and facebook and twitter pages, setting radios to AM 1610 station and watching other news outlets; grabbing their emergency supply kit; leaving inside and outside lights on so firefighters can see their home through smoke; closing all windows and doors but leaving them unlocked for firefighters; turning off propane and gas tanks, pilot lights and air conditioning; moving furniture to the center of the room and bringing patio furniture inside. All these steps give your home a better chance if embers were to land on your property.
And finally, if told to do so, or if they feel unsafe, residents should “go.” Firefighters suggest residents pre-pack their vehicles and leave early to avoid congestion from others evacuating and emergency vehicles. Residents can “go” to a predetermined location outside of the area at risk or established temporary evacuation points or shelters.
The City also reminds residents to register their cell phones with the County’s free AlertSanDiego notification system to make sure they get any calls with evacuation instructions.
For more information, please visit www.readyforwildfire.org.
To learn more about the County of San Diego’s “Ready, Set, Go” call to action, register for AlertSanDiego and download free planning templates and the SD Emergency app, visit ReadySanDiego.org.
