The 5 phases of disaster management

The 5 phases of disaster management

  Disaster management, one aspect of emergency management, provides a framework for understanding disasters and how we handle them. There is some debate about the specifics, but the model we have found most useful defines 5 steps: Prevention – We can take...
Community programs: Firewise and CERT

Community programs: Firewise and CERT

  If you want to go beyond protecting your house from wildfire, and help your community to prepare, there’s some good news. Community organizing takes commitment and hard work. But it can be a lot of fun, and, in the case of wildfire preparedness, there’s help to...
Who causes more wildfires? Humans vs Nature!

Who causes more wildfires? Humans vs Nature!

Have you ever heard the catchphrase, “Remember… Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires”? If so, then you’re familiar with one of the longest running public service campaigns in the United States, promoting wildfire safety. Did you know that wasn’t Smokey’s original...
Do not hesitate, evacuate early!

Do not hesitate, evacuate early!

“With the fires, my job was to leave.” So says Barbara, who had to evacuate in the face of the Santa Cruz fires. Outside of the very real trauma of potentially losing her home, she found that evacuation was “smooth and easy.”  No traffic. No rushing. And no anxiety of...
How do you fight a wildfire?

How do you fight a wildfire?

  Fighting a wildfire is not like fighting a house fire. When a house is on fire, the goal is to put the fire out as quickly as possible. This is mostly accomplished by pouring water on the flames, depriving it of oxygen and reducing the temperature of...
Don’t drone near a wildfire

Don’t drone near a wildfire

  Drones can be a valuable tool for gathering information and learning about what’s going on in a disaster area. They can also make matters worse. When it comes to fighting wildfires, aircraft are used to drop fire retardant and water, monitor fire conditions,...