GRASS VALLEY, Calif. May 1, 2017 – The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County is partnering with the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services and Allstate Insurance to educate the community on steps to take to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season. The event will be held at the Eric Rood Government Administration center on Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 10:00am -3:00pm.
With heavy rain fall, annual grasses are abundant. These fine fuels, combined with additional trees dying from bark beetle infestations and dead trees and slash already on the ground, will contribute to an active wildfire season. Along with recreational Spring activities you have planned, the Fire Safe Council is also asking for you to prepare for fire season. “We’re all busy with so many wonderful recreational opportunities here in Nevada County that we enjoy. Please remember that defensible space needs to be maintained each and every year. Residents should also review their family emergency evacuation plan so they are ready to leave on short notice,” said Joanne Drummond, Executive Director of the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County. “As the extremely short notice given to residents evacuating during the Oroville dam crisis, wildfire can move very quickly, so we need to be well prepared in advance.”
Allstate Insurance is committed to supporting fire safe communities and has been an active partner with the local Fire Safe Council for nearly 20 years. The Allstate disaster relief van will be on site to showcase how mobile claims are processed during natural disasters.
The Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team and Nevada County 4-H Citizenship project are collaborating to provide free pet micro-chipping. Supplies are limited, so plan to arrive early. All pets must either be in a containment carrier, or on a leash and under the owners’ control at all times. Pets will be taken inside a trailer for the quick procedure of implanting the device. In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, thousands of pets were left stranded and separated from their owners. The problem highlighted the need for a permanent identification system to reunite pets and their owners. A microchip is no bigger than a grain of rice, and carries a number that is plugged into a database that includes the name and contact information of a pet’s owner.
A series of experts will speak on a variety of fire prevention and forest health topics and be available for questions during the event. There will be a live fire demonstration with, PHOS-CHeK® long term fire retardant, as well as a free barbecue lunch provided by Suburban Propane. Fun and education for the kids includes the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District’s children’s education trailer, “Ray-Ray the Clown” with balloon animals and fire prevention icon, Smokey Bear. Local contractors, evacuation planning assistance, pack your go-kit activity, Firewise landscaping guides and a firefighting equipment display will be sure to engage the public to prepare for the upcoming fire season. Other exhibitors include the American Red Cross, Red Bud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, Office of Emergency Services, Nevada County 4-H, AirMEDCare Network, Local #3800 Firefighters, PG&E Vegetation Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, CAL FIRE, and the Tahoe National Forest.
Local, nationally recognized Firewise Communities and those in training, will be competing for a $500 mini-grant to assist with their fire prevention action plans. The Firewise Community signing in the most guests will be awarded the grand prize, with random drawings for two other community awards. Wildfire season is upon us and the community is urged to actively prepare.
For complete event details or to learn more about how to make your own home more fire safe, visit the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County online at: www.areyoufiresafe.com or by phoning (530) 272-1122.