Image Up Advertising & Design

Safety Committee SAFETY 4 "ALL" SEASONS We are committed to making our community a safe environment in which to live. Safety is our top priority. Please do not become complacent regarding heat-related illnesses. Even though summer is soon to be fall, September has traditionally been one of the hottest months of the year. Therefore, heat-related illnesses are still a concern. Stay Cool: Wear appropriate lightweight clothing, stay cool indoors, limit your outdoor activities, cut down on outdoor exercise, wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), and do not leave infants, children, or pets in cars. Drink Plenty of Water: Up to four cups of water per hour. WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN Wildfires are a fact of life in California. As we found out this summer, it's not a question of if they will occur, but when. Catastrophic wildfires are increasing in our state, encroaching further into populated areas. It is extremely important to be prepared when wildfire strikes. There are three ways your home can be exposed to wildfire: through flying embers, direct flame contact, and radiant heat. The following is a summary of some key points in a Wildfire Action Plan prepared by Cal Fire. By preparing your home and property for wildfire, and knowing what to do if evacuation is necessary, you can dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your home. GET READY Getting ready for wildfire begins with two important efforts: Home Hardening: Hardening your home is retrofitting it with fire resistant materials and Defensible Space: Defensible space is creating and maintaining a buffer between buildings and vegetation to slow wildfire. • Minimum vertical spacing between trees and shrubs: Remove branches beneath large trees for a six-foot minimum clearance; create proper vertical clearance between shrubs and the lowest branches of trees. • Remove dead trees and foliage to reduce the risk of wildfire. GET SET It is important you are prepared before a wildfire strikes. In an emergency, it is easy to become confused or panicked. Getting Set requires three main preparation actions: • Creating a Wildfire Action Plan • Creating an Emergency Supply Kit • Creating a Family Communication Plan Remember the "Six P's" and keep them ready in case immediate evacuation is required: • People and pets • Papers, phone numbers, and important documents • Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses • Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia • Personal computer • "Plastic" (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash Emergency Supply Kit: Put together an Emergency Supply Kit, also called a "go bag," before a wildfire or other disaster occurs, and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you evacuate. Backpacks work great for storing these items (except food and water) and are quick to grab. Storing food or water in a tub or chest on wheels makes it easier to transport. Family Communication Plan Prepare a family communication plan. The plan should include: • Evacuation Meeting Location • Out-of-Area Emergency Contact Person(s) • Other important Numbers: Local Police, Local Fire Department, etc. • Evacuation Route(s) GO! Give your household the best chance of surviving a wildfire by being ready to go and evacuate early. Being ready to go means following pre-evacuation steps, knowing when to evacuate, preparing possible evacuation routes, and knowing what to do if you become trapped. Be safe and don't wait until it is too late! NOTE: A detailed Cal Fire Wildfire Action Plan brochure can be found online at ReadyforWildfire.org. NOTE: The September "CPR Sunday" is Sept. 24, with a class from 12 to 1 pm, followed by another class from 1 to 2 pm. A sign-up sheet can be found on the clipboard by the The Lodge Theater. In addition to the CPR Sunday classes, you can also call, text, or email A J Reilly to set up a class at (951) 522-9975 or reilly58@me.com We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 am in the RCN Conference Room. We encourage you to attend the meeting should you have any concerns or if you would simply like an update on our ongoing safety projects. Also, please drop by if you are interested in joining the Safety Committee. We are always looking for energetic new members. All the best. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail. com 32 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2023 Ready-Set-Go! What To Pack In Your "Go Bag" 1. Sturdy backpack, duffel, or suitcase 2. Food and water 3. First aid kit 4. Medications and prescriptions 5. Emergency tools 6. Phone, laptop, and chargers 7. Cash in small bills 8. Important papers 9. Change of clothes and jacket 10. Personal hygiene supplies 11. Extra glasses or contacts 12. Blankets and pillows 13. Pet supplies 14. Keys

• Cover