Are you ready for wildfire?
Changes in climate are having an impact on drought conditions throughout California. With drought comes increased risk of wildland fire and a longer fire season overall. Before fire strikes, prepare your homes and communities to be wildfire resilient. Residents in Yolo County should learn to live with and navigate wildfire safely. Simple steps can be taken in your homes and in your communities to improve wildfire prevention, protection, and recovery.
Protect what matters most
Protecting your homes and families from wildfire by getting prepared, informed, and involved. There are proven steps that can be taken to drastically improve the likelihood of wildfire survival.
Be aware of imminent threats
The Yolo County emergency alert system can notify you about imminent threats to health and safety, including wildfires. You can opt in to receive notifications via phone calls, text messaging, e-mail and more based on locations you care about. The contact information you provide is confidential and will be used only for notification purposes.
Make your home fire safe
Retrofit your home with materials that are fire resistant and perform regular maintenance to ensure you are ember aware! Living with wildfire means understanding that we can manage fire in our communities by preparing for fire.
- Homeowners Checklist from CALFIRE
- Be Ember Aware from CFSC: Recognizing how to keep your home safe when wildfire embers arrive
Yolo County FSC Programs
Neighborhood Chipper Pilot Program
The Neighborhood Chipper Pilot Program is a hazardous fuels reduction service that helps landowners manage vegetation after they create defensible space around their homes.
Defensible space assessments
Defensible Space Assessments are non-regulatory, non-judgmental, and educational with the goal of assessing your home’s vulnerability to wildfire and embers.
Reflective Address Sign Program
Yolo County Fire Safe Council is offering free reflective signs for your home. These reflective signs are visible in smoky conditions and at night, allowing emergency officials to find your home in case of an evacuation before or during a fire.
Fire Prevention: Don’t start fires you can’t stop
According to CALFIRE, approximately 95% of wildfires are started by human activity. Following just a few simple steps can prevent the next catastrophic wildfire.
Help prevent wildfires by learning how to properly:
- Use outdoor equipment
- Burn debris
- Start, maintain, and extinguish a campfire
- Maintain a vehicle and tow safely
- Practice fire-safe target shooting
Wildfire Preparedness for your Home
When it’s time to evacuate
From CalFire’s Ready For Wildfire site:
When immediate evacuation is necessary, follow these steps as soon as possible to get ready to go!
- Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist.
- Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit/Evacuation Bag is in your vehicle.
- Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable.
- Locate your pets and take them with you.