Wildfire Awareness Week: May 5-11, 2013

An early wildfire season has already burned thousands of acres in California, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and planning through Defensible Space, community action, and vigilance in San Mateo County's hillside communities. May 5th - 11th 2013 has been designated by Governor Jerry Brown and CAL FIRE as Wildfire Awareness Week to promote wildfire safety, education and prevention.

During Wildfire Awareness Week, FIRE SAFE San Mateo and CAL FIRE remind residents and visitors to remember “Ready, Set, Go!” Be Ready for a wildfire by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening your home with fire resistant building materials. Be Set for a wildfire by having a wildfire action plan in place so you know what to take and where to go if you are evacuated. Lastly, Go early when a wildfire approaches or you are asked to evacuate.

Homeowners looking for additional information on how to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for wildfire can browse www.firesafesanmateo.org. For specific information on the "Ready, Set, Go!" program, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. These sites offer tips for making homes more resistant to wildfires and ensuring that families are ready to evacuate early and safely when a wildfire strikes.

FIRE SAFE San Mateo County, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildfire prevention, works with local fire agencies and private enterprise to reach out to residents with fuel reduction programs and community education. By reducing hazardous fuels, creating miles of firebreaks, and educating residents and community leaders, Fire Safe San Mateo has helped protect thousands of homes, residents, and vistors for more than 25 years.