Get Tips on Wildfire Preparedness from the Palo Alto Fire Department
“Palo Alto Fire Department is prepared for fire season, and you should be too. Preparing for fire season is a community commitment. Important measures to consider to ensure safety and resilience in the face of potential fires include: create a defensible space around your property, have an emergency evacuation plan for your family and pets, stay informed about fire conditions, and prepare an emergency kit. By taking these steps, we can better protect ourselves, our families, and our community. Let’s work together to have a safe summer 2024.”
- Palo Alto Fire Chief Blackshire
Ready & Stay Safe this Wildfire Season
With wildfire season here and Bay Area cities already impacted by wildfires in recent weeks, it’s a good time to make sure you, your friends and family, and home are prepared.
Although wildfires can happen at any time, peak season starts in June or July and runs through late October or November. If you haven’t yet prepared your plan for getting ready and leaving if needed, read on to find out how to get ready and stay safe.
Learn How the City is Preparing and How You Can Prepare
Not sure where to start with your plans? In case you missed it, check out a replay of the June 25 community webinar on Palo Alto Wildfire Preparedness, which covers what the City is doing to mitigate wildfires, as well as vital tips and strategies to protect your home, loved ones and community.
Regional Coordination for Wildland Safety
Earlier this month, the Palo Alto Fire Department teamed up with Mountain View Fire, San Jose Fire, Santa Clara County Fire, and Alameda Fire agencies for a Wildland Safety Drill at Foothills Nature Preserve. This drill was all about sharpening skills in operational efficiency, communication, safety procedures, and resource familiarization, especially in the event where mutual aid is needed. This type of practice is vital to ensure that our teams are ready to seamlessly support each other.
Learn How to Get Ready, Set, Go! This Season
Ready — Create defensible space, use fire-resistant plants, and harden your home to increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire.
Set — Use CAL FIRE tools to prepare your wildfire action plan, family evacuation plan and build an emergency supply kit for your home and car.
Go — Evacuate as soon as it is recommended by public safety officials. Learn how to get your home and pets and farm animals ready when you leave. View and download the Evacuation Route Map (Palo Alto Hills, west of 280 areas). Also find out what to do if you’re trapped during evacuation.
For more, visit the Palo Alto Fire Department’s wildfire preparedness webpage or CAL FIRE’S Ready for Wildfire page.
Fireworks are Illegal in Palo Alto
Fireworks are responsible for thousands of fires and injuries each year.
Do not use fireworks, leave them to the professionals. All types of fireworks, even those labelled “safe and sane,” are illegal in Palo Alto, and most of Santa Clara County, including large bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, and even sparklers.
If you see or hear illegal fireworks, we are here to help. Give 24-hour non-emergency dispatch center a call at (650) 329–2413.
Please be fire safe, Palo Alto!
Sign Up for Alerts
Getting real-time emergency information is critical during a wildfire and any emergency. Sign up now to get emergency alerts directly to your cell phone, landline, or email. It only takes a few minutes to sign up for AlertSCC.
Follow the City on social media to also gain real-time information during emergency events.
- Follow the Palo Alto Police on Twitter and sign-up for Nixle
- Follow the City on Twitter, Facebook and Nextdoor
- Sign-up for the City’s newsletter
Find more about staying updated on the regional fire status and other online resources.
Support Your Community by Training for CERT this Fall
Want to support the community during disasters such as wildfires? Train to be part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a program that trains community members in basic disaster response skills such as small fire suppression, light search-and-rescue, and disaster medical operations.
“In an emergency, knowing what to do and having your own supplies can save lives and property. We encourage everyone to join our Emergency Services Volunteer program and to learn more about preparing for disasters on www.cityofpaloalto.org/preparedness.”
- Palo Alto Emergency Services Chief Dueker
Training this fall include:
- CERT Basic Training will begin Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 and will meet in person on Sept. 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 from 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Field Day is Sunday, Sept. 29, noon — 4 p.m.
Register now for a Palo Alto CERT course.
For more details on wildfire preparedness, see this Be Prepared and Stay Safe this Fire Season blog.
Potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs
Under extreme weather conditions when wildfire risk is high, it’s important to prepare for the possibility of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). This a preventative measure that de-energizes electric lines in areas that may be at risk for power-line ignited wildfires. While this option will only be used as a last resort in extraordinary circumstances, have a plan to make living without power more tolerable:
- Build an emergency supply kit including items like heat-and-eat or canned food, water, cash, power banks, batteries, flashlights, pet food, and medicine.
- Plan for medical needs for you and your loved ones, including a backup power solution for medical devices. Ensure any backup generators are ready to operate safely.
More Online Resources
