DISASTER RESILIENCE
HARD LESSONS LEARNED
After a devastating fire changes the topography of a community, fire education and defensible space requirements quickly change to adjust with the evolving natural and man-made hazards that face a burn scarred area. WSF quickly identified the changing needs after the Caldor Fire, and developed several programs that support the community with reformed education, training, and hands on learning opportunities that not only educates vulnerable rural western slope communities, but also provides valuable tools, supplies, and resources to homeowners and renters. This includes developing disaster plans, preparing for evacuations, and understandings the steps needed to rebuild their lives after a natural or man-made disaster.
DISASTER FOCUSED PROGRAMS
Disaster Resiliency Education and Outreach
Activities utilizing our interactive community and partner response model: Go-Bags (food and water, shelter and warmth, first aid, hygiene and sanitation, batteries and headlamps, etc.) workshops, community fire drills partnering with El Dorado County Sheriff’s office, Locals and State Office of Emergency Services, Pioneer Fire Protection District (PFPD), Fire Safe Councils (FSCs), and Pioneer Volunteer Firefighters Association (PVFA)
Disaster Readiness Guide
A guide designed for community members living in rural areas focusing on practical strategies for preparedness, response, relief and recovery. WSF understands that more wildfire prevention planning efforts are needed and is now moving into an increased coordinated outreach, education, and community development phase.
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Bringing together neighborhoods in rural El Dorado County so that we can learn together, share information, and implement effective wildfire disaster preparedness measures, resulting in a network of communities that are more connected and better prepared for wildfire.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
Since the beginning of the Caldor Fire, Western Slope community members have repeatedly recognized that pre-disaster planning is limited in the community and that had more education been available, Caldor Fire preparedness, response, relief, and recovery would have been far more effective and efficient. Our disaster focused programs attempts to rectify this lack of pre-planning and education and will improve community participation in all phases of emergency management