Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility!
Why Plan?
The City of Mt. Shasta is a beautiful place to live, but is just as vulnerable as any other city in America when it comes to fires, floods, severe storms, earthquakes, hazardous spills, and many other critical incidents.
During a disaster it may be possible to stay in your home, but being prepared to survive without power or water for a minimum of 72 hours is highly recommended. The Preparedness Checklist is a good source to help you begin organizing your emergency supplies.
Local emergency service organizations in the Mt. Shasta area have developed an effective and cooperative emergency response system in compliance with the State of California and Federal Emergency Systems. Throughout the county, agencies work together to prepare for whatever disasters may come our way.
While agencies can be in a high state of readiness for disasters, there is no substitute for individual preparedness. The Mt. Shasta Fire Department recommends that you plan to be on your own for a minimum of 72 hours. You are not being asked to deal with emergencies alone, but your individual preparedness efforts will allow emergency service agencies to do their best job for you.
One of the most imminent threats is that of catastrophic wildfire. It is imperative that you do your part to be prepared, this includes preparations to protect your home by creating defensible space, being prepared with an evacuation plan, and knowing what to do if and when you need to evacuate. The links below provide information that will assist you in preparing yourself and your family in case of wildfire or other emergency.
Get Ready
Creating defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home. There are many things you can do to help prevent the spread of wildfire. Click the links below for additional resources.
Get Set
Before wildfire strikes, it is important that you get Set. Prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of having to evacuate. There are three main preparation actions that should be completed and familiar to all members of your household long in advance of a wildfire.
3 Steps to Getting Set:
- Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets.
- Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household.
- Fill-out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
In addition to being prepared for your and your family’s safety, it is important to ensure that your home is protected. Disaster grants are often insufficient to rebuild a home. Insurance is a critical back-up plan, make sure that you are prepared ahead of time by following the link below:
Go!
Give your household the best chance of surviving a wildfire by being ready to go and evacuating early. This includes going through pre-evacuation preparation steps (only if time allows) to increase your home’s defenses, as well as creating a Wildfire Action Plan for your family. Being ready to go also means knowing when to evacuate and what to do if you become trapped.
Remember: When immediate evacuation is necessary, follow these steps as soon as possible to get ready to GO!
- Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist.
- Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit is in your vehicle.
- Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable.
- Locate your pets and take them with you.
When to Evacuate
Leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don’t wait to be ordered by authorities to leave. Evacuating the forest fire area early also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!
- Officials will determine the areas to be evacuated and escape routes to use depending upon the fire’s location, behavior, winds, terrain, etc.
- Law enforcement agencies are typically responsible for enforcing an evacuation order. Follow their directions promptly.
- You will be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible. You must take the initiative to stay informed and aware. Listen to your radio/TV for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
- You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.
The terms “Voluntary” and “Mandatory” are used to describe evacuation orders. However, local jurisdictions may use other terminology such as “Precautionary” and “Immediate Threat.” These terms are used to alert you to the significance of the danger. All evacuation instructions provided by officials should be followed immediately for your safety.
Do not return to your home until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.
Review these steps ahead of time so you know what to do if you become trapped in a wildfire.
In addition to keeping your home and family safe, it is important to have a plan in advance to increase your pets and livestock’s chances of survival. Click below
Wildland Fire Safety for Your Livestock and Pets
Power outages may occur before or during a wildfire, as well as during winter storms and other situations. Click the link below for information on how to be ready for power outages.
All of the information provided above and much more in-depth information can be found at the Cal Fire.
Other Resources
Mt. Shasta Fire Department has prepared a Wildfire Safety Guide to assist the residents of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding area in case of wildfire. Print this guide for a quick and easy resource to have available at home.
The Department of Homeland Security provides information on how to be ready for all types of disasters, from flooding and winter weather to earthquakes and active shooter situations.
The Community Wildfire Prevention Plan is specific to Siskiyou County and was adopted in 2019. It is designed to help communities identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommends the types and methods of treatment that will protect the communities of Siskiyou County.
Please check back to this page frequently as information will be added.