Agency: San Miguel Consolidated Fire District

Description: In both 2003 and 2007 we learned how devastating and unforgiving wildfires can be. We also learned lives can be saved and property can be protected when our residents are aware of what to do before, during and after a wildfire. This unprecedented volunteer effort, tied in with our prevention and education packages and custom DVD, will allow more of us to be ready for the next big threat.

The “Before the Threat” campaign was created as a pilot program in partnership between the San Miguel Fire District and Farmers Insurance. Preparedness packages were delivered in a door-to-door campaign to 10,500 homes in our high hazard urban interface areas. This unique public education exceeded all expectations. Farmers is helping The San Diego County Fire Chief’s Association and the Office of Emergency Services take the program to high hazard urban interface areas throughout the County.

For fire departments and fire districts alike, a key lesson is the value and payoff of public education. In the aftermath of the 2007 Wildfires it became evident public education within our County helped minimize injury and property loss. The more we can rely on public education means our firefighters are subjected to increasingly fewer risks.

This project is approved for volunteers with the following restrictions: Allow Pending Members

Impact Areas: Disaster Relief Services, Community Enrichment: Community Events, Disaster Relief Services

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Types of Volunteering: Short-term / One-time Opportunities, Types of Volunteering: Service-Learning, Types of Volunteering: Family, Types of Volunteering: Group Opportunities, Issue Area: Civic Engagement, Issue Area: Disaster Prevention / Recovery / Relief

Skills: There are no skills specified for this project.