Full Notification

With peak wildfire season beginning and a heat advisory issued for San Diego County this weekend, we ask that everyone be vigilant in their wildfire preparedness efforts. The City of Chula Vista has an extensive wildfire preparedness program called ‘Ready, Set, Go!’

The ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ wildfire preparedness program has three basic steps to help citizens prepare in case of a wildfire.

STEP 1) Get READY
Being Ready for wildfire starts with maintaining an adequate ‘Defensible Space.’ Defensible Space is the buffer you create by removing dead plants, grass and weeds. This buffer helps to keep the fire away from your home.

STEP 2) Get SET
As a wildfire approaches, it is important that you get Set. Prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of having to evacuate. This means going through a checklist of items you will need to take when evacuating. And be ready to implement your Wildfire Action Plan.

To really be Set for a wildfire, a Wildfire Action Plan needs to be created. The plan should include: Different evacuation routes, a meeting location outside the fire hazard area, and having a Disaster Kit.

STEP 3): GO – Leave Early
This is the simplest step. Go… Evacuate early before the fire arrives. By leaving early, you give your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire, while helping firefighters by keeping roads clear of traffic, enabling them to move more freely and do their job.

KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE:
Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or traffic. Don't wait to be told by authorities to leave. In an intense wildfire, they may not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don't hesitate!

KNOW WHERE TO GO:
Go to a predetermined location (it should be a low-risk area, such as a neighbor or relative's house, a Red Cross shelter or evacuation center, motel, etc.)

KNOW HOW TO GET THERE:
Have several travel routes in case one route is blocked by the fire or by emergency vehicles and equipment. Choose an escape route away from the fire.

KNOW WHAT TO TAKE:
Take your Emergency Supply Kit containing your family and pet's necessary items, such as cash, water, clothing, food, first aid kits, and medications. Also, don't forget valuables such as your computer, photos and important documents.

Visit www.ReadySetGoCV.org to start a Wildfire Action Plan for you and your family.

Stay Fire Safe!