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May 6, 2010 (Sacramento) – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared May 2-8 Wildfire Awareness Week to remind Californians to be prepared for wildfires and vigilant as the state approaches peak fire season. CAL FIRE will also be using the week to highlight the importance of the homeowner’s role in preparing their property and families ahead of time to survive a wildfire.
This year’s Wildfire Awareness Week theme is based on the nationwide fire preparedness campaign “Ready, Set, Go."
The slogan “Wildfire is coming…. Is your home ready?” focuses on the role homeowners have in being ready for a wildfire. Being Ready for a wildfire starts with maintaining an adequate Defensible Space and hardening homes by using fire resistant building materials. Fire officials firmly believe that it’s the combination of both Defensible Space and the hardening of homes that give a house the best chance of surviving a wildfire.
To assist homeowner’s preparation for wildfires, CAL FIRE has introduced a new website which provides residents the steps to make their home more resistant to wildfires and ensure that their family is ready to evacuate early and safely when wildfire comes. The website is www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
Cal-Fire has also provided a free checklist for San Diego homeowners .
“The first week in May is recognized as Wildfire Awareness Week, but residents need to be aware of the threat wildfire poses every day,” said Chief Del Walters, CAL FIRE director. “Wildfires have occurred at all times of year in our state, but wildfire activity historically increases from spring through late fall, threatening lives, property and the environment. We are taking this week to heighten the public’s awareness about the steps they should take to prepare their homes and families for California’s inevitable wildfires.”
CAL FIRE will use Wildfire Awareness Week as an opportunity to answer questions about fire safety and how to be better prepared in an emergency situation.
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