The CEO Spotlight: Wildfire Preparedness - August 2024

Dear Shasta County Residents,

As we find ourselves in the midst of fire season, I want to take a moment to extend our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the recent “Park Fire” and “Lower Fire.” The impact of these events has been deeply felt across our community, and our hearts go out to everyone who has experienced loss or disruption. I also want to express my profound gratitude to the firefighters and first responders who have been working tirelessly to protect our homes, our land, and our lives. Their bravery and dedication are truly commendable.

In light of these ongoing challenges, it’s more important than ever to focus on what we can do to prepare and protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. By taking proactive steps now, we can set ourselves up for success in the event of an evacuation or emergency. Let’s work together to stay informed, prepared, and ready to respond effectively to any fire-related threats that may arise.

Stay Informed:

In the event of a wildfire, staying informed is crucial. For the most up-to-date evacuation orders, containment status, and evacuation center locations, I recommend visiting protect.genasys.com to download the Genasys Protect app and learn your “Zone.” Knowing your Zone can make a significant difference in your ability to respond quickly and effectively.

To receive alerts directly to your mobile device or email, I urge you to register for Alert Shasta. This service will keep you informed of critical updates in real time, helping you stay ahead of the situation.

Additionally, follow the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office page on Facebook for further updates. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for issuing evacuation orders, so staying connected with them is essential.

For a broader overview, including containment progress, CAL FIRE’s incident map offers valuable information and visuals that can help you track wildfire activity in our area.

Be Prepared:

Preparedness is the best defense against the threat of wildfire. I encourage you to follow the “Ready, Set, Go!” steps:

• Ready: Start by maintaining an adequate defensible space around your home and hardening your home with fire-resistant building materials. These actions can make a significant difference in protecting your property from wildfire.
• Set: Create an evacuation plan with your family. This plan should include assembling an emergency supply kit and a “Go bag” for each family member. It’s also important to talk with young children about fire safety and to make arrangements for pets, as most evacuation centers do not allow animals due to community health reasons.
• Go!: When the time comes, be ready to evacuate early. Know when to leave and what to do if you become trapped. Early evacuation is key to giving your household the best chance of surviving a wildfire.

For more tips and detailed information on each of these steps, visit CAL FIRE’s preparedness page.

Additional Resources:

For a comprehensive list of resources and more information on fire and emergency preparedness, please visit shastacounty.gov/ready. This site offers valuable tools and guidance to help you stay safe and prepared during fire season.

As we navigate this fire season together, I want to extend my gratitude to our first responders and community members who have worked tirelessly to protect our county. By staying informed, prepared, and connected, we can safeguard our community and ensure that Shasta County remains resilient in the face of challenges.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Stay safe, and please reach out to your local officials if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

David J. Rickert
County Executive Officer
Shasta Count