Archive for Fire

US Forest Services in Riverside County

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Just a quick update that I received from Jon King and his San Jacinto Trail Report. Want to see the full report? Click here and give him a follow.

Full fire restrictions are in place on Forest Service lands, as described here. All campfires anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains, including at all USFS campgrounds and yellow post sites, are now prohibited. The total fire ban has finally been extended to Riverside County lands starting 23rd August, including for example the Hurkey Creek campground (thanks to Dan Roberts for updates on the county situation).

The U.S. Forest Service ranger station in Idyllwild remains closed due to USFS coronavirus protocols. Apparently it is unlikely to reopen before October, but possibly much later. Hiking and camping permits are nevertheless required for USFS lands, and should be available at the kiosk outside the ranger station. The State Park ranger station reopened about six months ago.

WEATHER A few days of temperatures around (or even below!) seasonal for the first time in two months came to an end early this week. Daytime high temperatures will again be above average for August starting Wednesday 25th, with overnight low temperatures in particular being well above seasonal, before cooling again to about average in the first couple of days of September. As mentioned above, monsoonal rains are a possibility from 29th August to at least 2nd September. Fire risk remains severe.

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Posted in: Around the District, Community, Drought, Fire, Fire Danger, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Rain, Storms, Weather

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Earthquake Preparedness

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With the most recent swarm of earthquakes in Northern California, I thought it was time to remind everyone about being prepared for earthquakes.
Earthquakes can be extremely destructive causing down power lines, loss of water, destruction of roads and homes. In the event of a massive quake in our area are we as prepared as we need to be for our survival?

Its great idea to think about how to earthquake proof your home now to minimize the extent of the damage. Starting with anchoring bookcases and large furniture to walls and installing latches on drawers and cabinet doors to keep contents from spilling out. Learn more about our community’s disaster preparedness plans. Create a personalized family plan with escape routes and emergency meeting place. Its recommended to establish a contact person to communicate with concerned relatives and it is a good idea that this person be out of state because if all the local lines are tied up they can help. It is important that all family members know where the gas, electric and water main shutoff controls are in your home and how to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short. Keep the tools necessary for emergency shut offs close by.

Put together an emergency kit and make sure all household members know where it is. Some important items to include in your kit are:

  • WATER – 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. (Store more than 3-day supply of water, if possible).
  • FOOD – Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for all members of your home, including pets. Include a non-electric can opener for canned food.
  • FLASHLIGHT/RADIO – You will need to be able to charge these items without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked or battery-powered, and stored with extra batteries.
  • MEDICAL – Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications, and medical supplies.
  • SANITATION – Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, feminine products, and plastic bags, to use if water resources become limited.
  • BATTERIES/CHARGING DEVICE – Include mobile cell charger it should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be charged from a car outlet. Batteries will be necessary for flashlights, radios, etc.
  • CLOTHING AND BLANKETS – Long sleeves and long pants, thick-soled shoes, and work gloves to protect yourself after the earthquake, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
  • WHISTLE – Include a whistle to signal for help.
  • CASH – Store at least $100 in cash in case ATMs are not functioning after the earthquake.
  • FIRE EXTINGUISHER – Earthquakes can cause fires to break out; have a fire extinguisher so you can put out any small fires. Use a fire extinguisher only if you are physically capable.
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Posted in: Community, Earthquakes, Emergencies, Fire

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Do you have your Emergency Kit ready?

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We’re starting to get into our fire season and it’s always a good idea to prepare or freshen up your Go Bag. Now is the time to make sure any non-perishable foods are up to date, fresh water replaces last year’s water, chargers are charged, and more in case of an emergency. I have 1 bag by the front door and 1 in my truck.

Build an Emergency Evacuation Kit Including:

  • Jugs of Water for washing / cooking
  • Bottled Water for drinking
  • Non-perishable food
  • Copies of prescription medications
  • Cell Phone chargers
  • Bedding including sleeping bags & pillows
  • Extra change of clothes
  • Battery operated radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit
  • Copies of important documents (like your drivers license, SS card, proof of residency, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)
  • Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate
  • Physical list of important phone numbers (in case your electronics aren’t charged)

Talk to your family, friends, neighbors and make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets plan ahead for them as well and have prepared go bags for them. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor ahead of time, if you can ride off the hill with them.   If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments. Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.

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Posted in: Community, Earthquakes, Emergencies, Fire, Fire Danger

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Are you Prepared? (Part 2)

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In addition to the Basic Emergency Evacuation Kit mentioned in last week’s post, here are more items that can be added based on your individual needs.

Additional Emergency Supplies:

  • Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc.
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit:
After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

  • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
  • Replace expired items as needed
  • Re-think your needs every 6-months to a year and update your kit as needs change

Kit Storage Locations:
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for your home, work, and vehicles.

  • Home: Keep in a designated place and have it ready in case you need to leave quickly. Make sure all family members know where it is.
  • Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should at least include food, water, medications, comfortable walking shoes in a “grab and go” case.
  • Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car

As mentioned before:
Talk to your family and friends, make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets or seniors to consider, plan ahead for them as well and have specific prepared go bags. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor if you can ride off the hill with them if needed. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments.

Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.

You can get more detailed information at https://www.ready.gov/kit

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Are you prepared?

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Fire and quake season is upon us. Do you have an Emergency Plan to help you and your loved ones evacuate easily? It is a good idea to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car or to grab and go box that will be easily accessible for you and your family.

Build a basic Emergency Evacuation Kit Including:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
  • Non-perishable food (at least 3 days supply)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Bottled water
  • Prescription medications and copies of the prescription
  • Battery operated or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter potential contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (in case of a shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes / baby wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone and chargers
  • First-aid kit
  • Cash
  • Copies of important documents (driver’s license/ID, SS card, proof of residency, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)
  • Extra change of clothes and bedding
  • Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items like photo albums that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate

Talk to your family and friends, make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets or seniors to consider, plan ahead for them as well and have specific prepared go bags. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor if you can ride off the hill with them if needed. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments.

Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.

You can get more detailed information at https://www.ready.gov/kit

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Riverside County Emergency Reverse 911

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With Fires blazing all over Southern California PCWD wants to make sure our residents are best prepared if a disaster were to strike close to home again. Getting informed of an emergency is the first step. When you have an emergency, 911 is the number to call but did you know that Riverside County offers an emergency telephone alerting system? When disasters occur that are unknown to you, REVERSE 911 calls you. The system called REVERSE 911 and works through our telephones. It uses computer technology to quickly contact many residents and businesses in a specific area to communicate information. Early Warning Notification System (EWNS) allows public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the general public in the event of emergencies.

The EWNS is one of a group of alert warning tools used in Riverside County. Any Business or residence in Riverside county that has traditional land line phone service (listed or unlisted) is already a part of the EWNS. Cell phones or VoIP numbers have to be registered to receive these emergency alerts. Just visit Riverside County’s secure website homepage: www.countyofriverside.us and add the number you would like to be notified by.

The EWNS can make up to 250,000 calls per hour to reach the public of Riverside County. Registered phone numbers will be notified in the event of a small, medium or large emergency. It is important for us to get the notification as soon as possible in the event of a wildfire, flood, severe weather, hazardous material warning, law enforcement incidents, etc. Having an early warning can help keep you and your loved ones safe and informed about potential dangers in our community.

Don’t forget the important parts of evacuation- The P’s of Evacuation

  • People
  • Pets
  • Personal computer
  • Prescriptions
  • Papers
  • Photos
  • Phone (& charger)
  • personal needs
  • priceless items
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Preparing an Emergency Evacuation kit.

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Fire season has started and there is only one way off the mountain. Now is the time to get prepared to evacuate encase of an emergency. It is a good idea to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car or to grab and go box that will be easily accessible for you and your family. Build an Emergency Evacuation Kit Including:

  • Water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Copies of prescription medications
  • Cell Phone chargers
  • Bedding including sleeping bags & pillows
  • Extra change of clothes
  • Bottled water
  • Battery operated radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit
  • Copies of important documents( like your drivers license, SS card, proof of residency, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)
  • Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate.

Talk to your family, make a plan!  Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets plan ahead for them as well and have prepared go bags for them. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time…ask a friend or a neighbor ahead of time, if you can ride off the hill with them.   If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times.  If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments. Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.

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Preparing for an Emergency or Evacuation

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PRE-EVACUATION PREPARATION STEPS

Recent natural disasters can inspire awareness and the importance of emergency preparedness. In our neighborhood the threat of a wildfire is real and one could start at any moment. Fire can move fast and unpredictably. Preparing for an evacuation should begin before there is any danger. Everyone should have individual and family evacuation plans in place. Emergency planning may be different for every family but there are common necessities and planning should include all members of the family. If your household is under voluntary or potential evacuations, begin to prepare your home and get ready to leave.

 Assemble an emergency supply kit

 
Having supplies for each member of your household is an important step for evacuation preparation. Cal Fire recommends having a three-day supply non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person. Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses, a seven-day supply of medications and copies of important documents are also important to pack

  1. Place papers in sealed, waterproof plastic

  2. Store in a durable, sealed box. (A portable,fireproof and waterproof box or waterproof backpack is recommended.)

  3. Store box/backpack at home in a secure, easily accessible location.

    If you must evacuate:

    • Grab box and take with you.
    • Keep the box with you at all times.
    • Do not leave box unattended in your car.

What to include in your Grab & Go box

  • Copies of important documents: Birth Certificates, Drivers licenses, passports, House Deeds and Titles, Birth, death, adoption, and marriage certificates,Wills and/or trust documents and other irreplaceable document.

  • First two pages of previous year’s federal and state income tax returns

  • Cash or traveler’s checks for several days living expenses.

  • Back-up copies of computerized financial records

  • Emergency phone numbers

  • Employee-benefit documents.

  • Copies of important health record and prescriptions: Copies of health, dental, and/or prescription insurance cards or numbers.

  • Copies of children’s immunization records.

  • Copies of auto, flood, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policies (at least policy numbers).

  • Home inventory. (document and take pictures of properties and possessions)

  • Any sentimental  jewelry or photos (flash drive or CD is best)

 Inside the House

  • Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.

  • Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters.

  • Remove lightweight curtains.

  • Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.

  • Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights.

  • Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.

  • Shut off the air conditioning.

Outside

  • Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.) or place them in your pool.

  • Turn off propane tanks.

  • Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.

  • Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house.

  • Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.

  • Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.

  • Put your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.

  • Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.

  • Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.

  • Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.

  • Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.

  • Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.

Animals

  • Locate your pets and keep them nearby.

  • Prepare farm animals for transport and think about moving them to a safe location early.

In the event of emergency Remember safety first. If you are well prepared in advance the evacuation process can be less stressful and scary.

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Weather

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Last week we had quite the wild weather!  The thunder and lightening storm on Thursday afternoon was pretty intense.  The thunder was so close and so loud it sounded like it was sitting right on top of Pine Cove.  The hail was a surprise as well.  I actually saw the snow plow go by my house!  You just never know what is going to happen here on the mountain.  While all moisture is welcome, that was a bit much for the end of May.

This week the forecast is for something much calmer luckily.

Detailed Forecast

  • Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
  • Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
  • Thursday Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
  • Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
  • Friday Sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
  • Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
  • Saturday Sunny, with a high near 68.
  • Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
  • Sunday Sunny, with a high near 64.
  • Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50.
  • Monday Sunny, with a high near 69.
  • Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
  • Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 69.

As we move into the summer season, please be mindful of the extreme fire danger that is ever present.  Over Memorial Day weekend, one of our board members spotted 3 different visitors to the hill, flicking cigarette butts out of their car windows.  It will only take one to light a forest fire.  Please remind all your guests who visit you here on the hill, to be mindful as well.  And be sure to do your fire abatement around your mountain home and property.  It is important that everyone comply with this because if you don’t, you can put not only yourself in danger, but your neighbors and the whole hill as well.

 

0808-0710-1617-3417

 

 

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