Visitors to SDG&E’s Wildfire Safety Fair learned how to prepare and protect their family and property during a wildfire or other emergency.
The May 18 event held at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center was one of a series of Wildfire Safety Fairs being sponsored by the utility company through this summer.
SDG&E staff and others stationed at booths shared information about how to stock an emergency kit, how to create an emergency plan, and how to modify space in and around a home to resist a wildfire.
Event specialist Teresa O’Donnell displayed examples of what might be inside a personal emergency go-bag, pet emergency go-bag and a vehicle go-box.
O’Donnell and her colleagues also described the types of items for an emergency supply kit. They recommended the kits be readily available in waterproof and rodent-proof containers. Supplies should be included that sustain a family for at least three days or 72 hours. They advised putting the date on supplies such as water, food and medications to simplify replenishing the kit on a routine basis.
Suggested contents of an emergency supply kit include: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food such as dried fruit, energy/protein bars, powdered drinks, instant food packs, canned foods and a can opener, pots for cooking and other items.
“Wildfire and emergency preparedness is what we’re all about and we zero in on being prepared with go-bags,” O’Donnell said.
Cheryl Bowden-Renna, cultural resource specialist for SDG&E, showed visitors replicas of the types of artifacts that are sometimes found within the work areas when SDG&E crews are conducting work. Laws are in place that prohibit taking artifacts and natural resources off public property, Bowden-Renna said. what types of artifacts was she talking about? do people call someone when they find artifacts or leave them there?
SDG&E sometimes comes across prehistoric and historic artifacts such as pottery, arrowheads and other Native American artifacts, said SDG&E spokesman Roland Franklin. These can consist of bottles, ceramics and remnants of historic structures. SDG&E works with archaeological and native American monitors to ensure SDG&E crews avoid sensitive sites and are being respectful, Franklin said.
“We make sure that SDG&E stays compliant with state, federal and local laws,” Bowden-Renna said. “Our job is to try to avoid natural, cultural and water resources as much as possible whenever we’re doing projects like a single pole replacement or undergrounding power lines.”
Karla Orduno and Elizabeth Garcia, animal control officers with the county of San Diego Department of Animal Services, shared tips about ensuring a pet’s safety in an emergency. They also gave out information about planning ahead for fire season and being prepared for a fire evacuation.
Sally Goodrich, fire prevention technician for the U.S. Forest Service, talked about outdoor fire safety including campfire safety, safe debris burning and understanding the fire danger ratings.
Pauline Del Mundo described the types of assistance that can be obtained from the information referral service by calling 2-1-1. Staff who take the calls can refer people to services such as food assistance programs, health care resources and tax preparation help, Del Mundo said.
During a disaster, 2-1-1 also provides information about shelters, evacuation routes, donations and volunteering, and resources for recovery, according to a flier. The 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Del Mundo said.
“We connect people to resources,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know about resources that are available around the community.”
Wildlife Safety fairs are scheduled June 8 at Rancho Bernardo Community Park, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive; July 13 at Joan MacQueen Middle School, 2001 Tavern Road in Alpine; and Aug. 24 at Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Road in Valley Center. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at all three locations.
