COUNTY News:

Los Alamos Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Division and the Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management will give a Wildland Fire Preparedness presentation, hosted by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), 1-2 p.m., Wednesday, March 18. Please join via Zoom.

Local businesses and residents are encouraged to attend. Experts will discuss tools and knowledge community members can utilize to help reduce wildfire risk to protect individuals and property.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of preparing in advance for the coming fire season,” LAFD Wildland Fire Chief Van Leimer said, “Without the much-needed moisture and snowpack we had hoped for this winter, the coming spring and summer will be extremely dry. This increases the risks of wildfire significantly, making awareness and preparedness an important priority for every community member.”

Attendees will gain an understanding of wildfire risks in Los Alamos County, the importance of preparing in advance, and strategies to stay safe when disaster strikes.

Key topics include:

• Wildfire Risk: Learn about the specific wildfire risks in Los Alamos County, including historical fires, risk assessments, and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
• Ready, Set, Go: This vital program emphasizes the steps to take before, during, and after a wildfire. “Ready” focuses on preparation, “Set” on monitoring alerts and staying informed, and “Go” on evacuation procedures and safety measures.
• Defensible Space: Discover how creating defensible space around your home can protect it from the dangers of wildfires. This includes clearing vegetation, maintaining proper landscaping, and other measures to reduce fire risk.
• Defensible Space Home Assessments: Learn about LAFD’s Wildfire Defensible Space Home Assessment program as a resource for residents in the community to capitalize on to improve mitigation around their properties.
• Emergency Alerts: Learn how to sign up for the County’s new emergency alert system
  through Everbridge, and how to interpret emergency alerts to receive timely information during a wildfire or other emergency situations.
• Family Communication Plan: Understand the importance of having a clear, actionable family communication plan for emergencies, ensuring all members are informed and can reunite safely if separated.

By the end of the meeting, participants will have the tools and knowledge to help reduce wildfire risk and effectively protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property.

This presentation is encouraged for anyone looking to improve their wildfire preparedness.