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Safety Committee SAFETY 4 "ALL" SEASONS As we move into summer, the Safety Committee is committed to making our community a safe environment in which to live. We are concerned for your safety: • As a reminder, driver and pedestrian safety should be a top priority as you travel in our community. • We continue to get reports of residents allowing children to drive their golf carts. is is an unacceptable and unsafe practice! Remember, only licensed drivers should drive electric or gas-powered carts. WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN: Wildfires are a fact of life in California. As we found out last summer, it is 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. By preparing your home and property for wildfire and knowing what to do if an evacuation is necessary, you can dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your home. e following is a summary of some key points in a Wildfire Action Plan prepared by CAL FIRE. Remember: Get Ready … Get Set … Go! GET READY: ere are three ways your home can be exposed to wildfire: through flying embers, direct flame contact, and radiant heat. 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 Ps" 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. e 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) ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com 30 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2024

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