According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a partnership of national agencies that includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Bay Area is experiencing an exceptional drought this summer, the worst level. Sources used in compiling this guide: CalFire, Berkeley Fire Department, Oakland Fire Department, FEMA, Alameda County Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service, National Interagency Fire Center, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Centers for Disease Control, Pacific Gas & Electric, East Bay Municipal Utility District, East Bay Regional Park District, California Fire Safe Council, Governors Office of Emergency Services, Community Emergency Alert Teams, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, University of California Cooperative Extension, Oakland Animal Services, Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network, Hills Emergency Forum, Alameda County Office of Emergency Services, Oakland Firesafe Council, Diablo Firesafe Council, FIRESafe Marin, Public Health Institute, California Air Resources Board, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, American Red Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Mask Oakland, Zonehaven, ALERTWildfire, City of Mill Valley, City of Ross. California and the rest of the Western United States are seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which many experts link to climate change. What help is available if I cant afford the high costs of fire prevention? In Oakland and Berkeley, steep hills and narrow streets add significant challenges for firefighters and evacuation. Whats being done to reduce the risk of wildfires in Berkeley? Most of these fires occurred during the Diablo winds dry, hot, fierce currents that typically blow for only 1-3 days a year with speeds up to 45 mph. But data can shed light on how these fires might behave and the damage they might cause. The WEA system is a partnership of FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission. A new evacuation software system called Zonehaven is scheduled to go live on June 15. 2001-2023 The Pain Reliever Corporation. A. 0000001226 00000 n Read more about Zonehaven in past Berkeleyside coverage. Credit: Zonehaven Update, June 15, 8:30 a.m. Connect with us online, by phone, or in person. Specifically, their evacuation zone. The guide first published on July 29, 2021, and last updated on June 7, 2022 was written by Kate Darby Rauch and Brian Krans, edited by Zac Farber and Jacob Simas, designed by Doug Ng and illustrated by T.L. These natural and recreational treasures elevate fire risks for many residents, as they border densely populated neighborhoods. A. We broadcast emergency information and instructions by radio on 1610 AM. The Alameda County contract with Zonehaven is funded through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). How can seniors and people with disabilities prepare for wildfires? But it represents a breed of particularly destructive urban-rural-suburban wildfires that feed on dry, thick residential landscaping and open space, mixed with dense houses and other structures, many of them wood. Most phones made after 2012 are WEA-capable, but confirm your phones capability with your wireless phone provider. What should I know about wildfire safety? The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board is an important resource for tenants and landlords. For many emergency planners, this is exciting, with the roll-out of products like real-time evacuation software and solar-powered warning sirens with voice capacity. %PDF-1.4 % Several Berkeley hotels have offered discounts on Red Flag days, targeting people relocating from high risk fire zones. Text DRC and your zip code to see a list of disaster recovery centers near you. BFD is also helping neighborhoods build up their own resilience through a national program called Firewise and working to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan to determine where to focus efforts first. Lessons learned from this, and other disasters, Crocker said, include: Q. In May, the National Weather Service issued three Red Flag Warnings, which denote high fire danger, in Northern California, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday. The citys map shows each address fire risk zone. Below are some tips for how you can prepare for #wildfire season. Which apps and websites can help me during a wildfire? (Emergency alerts such as evacuation orders and Extreme Fire Weather warnings are sent out by all means available text, phone, email, social media, push alert. Whats being done to reduce the risk of wildfires in Berkeley? Fires can ignite and spread under normal conditions. But it does not eliminate risk entirely. Do defensible space regulations apply to my property? All fires are different. May, who also represents Berkeley in countywide emergency planning, said the city has been practicing with Zonehaven for more than a year, holding drills using different scenarios. Watch the full fire safety meeting below. And remember to remove all dead and dying vegetation. for those who cannot use the stairs). Your continued use of this site indicates your acceptance of the terms and conditions specified. The primary wildfire threat to the inner East Bay comes from the open space of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and East Bay Municipal Water District (EBMUD) to the east. Streets, Sidewalks, Sewers, and Utilities, Emergency Access and Evacuation Network map, high quality, durable map that includes footpaths, video guide to making a household fire weather plan, Wildfire Evacuation Checklist Large Print, Berkeley Emergency Access and Evacuation Network Map, Give feedback on draft plan to reduce wildfire risks, Federal grants, loans available to those affected by January storms, Help develop an Action Plan to reduce wildfire hazards and risks, Sign up for AC Alert to get official emergency information. Alameda Countys adoption of Zonehaven is timed for fire season. Am I legally required to evacuate? Its so much easier for them to communicate using the zones, Crocker said. Webemergency shelter map To access: shelter map download the apps wildfire safety Berkeley Wildfire Guide The big picture Preparation Evacuation Air quality Power outages Property only wastes water, Temmermand said. In July, BFD is going digital with its property inspections, resulting in online inspection reports once new software is up and running. Nearly 6,000 of the 8,600 parcels have already passed inspection. What if Im unhoused or know people who are in my area? Some of these efforts are still active today, and excellent resources for tenants. Pinto also described how the city has expanded its hillside inspections by 7,200 parcels this year. We will continue to have Diablo winds, which will push fire quickly down the hill. The closer to the house, the more space between bushes and trees. These funds are being tapped to pay for the citys new voice-capable emergency sirens, slated for installation around the end of the year. Some local hotels offer special rates to residents during fire season. Many residents of East Bay high risk fire zones say not enough is being done to help reduce dangers. Technology is rapidly expanding the capacity of wildfire preparedness, prevention and prediction. If your insurance company didnt give you a 75-day notice before cancellation, or if you dont understand why you were dropped, contact the California Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP. Nonprofit news. Residents of affected zones are alerted using a variety of means, including the county alert system (AC Alert), Nixle local alerts, social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and old-fashioned door-to-door warnings. The citys map shows each address fire risk He also said that internet providers, cellphone providers, and electrical companies including PG&E, are learning from past disasters such as the North Bay fires and building backup power sources into their systems such as battery-operated generators or solar generators. We all know that, for fast-moving fires, with our narrow roads and dense population, that starting an evacuation once the fire ignites may not be enough, he said. My power just went out. Berkeley Fire Chief Abe Roman told attendees that the biggest development for the department this year has been due to Measure FF, an $8.5-million-per-year emergency services parcel tax passed by voters in 2020. DAVID GOINES: Remembering an iconic printmaker | CULTURE WAR: Hopkins bike lane | SNOW! What constitutes dangerous activity during fire season and how should I report it? The Berkeley Wildfire Guide is a collaboration between Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. : Photos + videos | WE'RE HIRING. Create a resilient, safe, connected, and prepared City, Be a customer-focused organization that provides excellent, timely, easily accessible service and information to the community. Even if you mow, weed and trim bushes on your own, most people need to hire out for heavy work, such as removing or trimming trees. The contract is for five years. For many property owners in high-risk fire areas, homeowners insurance is becoming a nightmare. My fire insurance was canceled. It refers to a buffer zone of landscaping around a structure to give it the best shot at not catching fire. At many levels, were responsible for our destiny. Nixle (email, text): Nixle is an alert system local police and fire departments use to send messages on crime, traffic, weather, and events. The Lamb Clinic provides a comprehensive assessment and customized treatment plan for all new patients utilizing both interventional and non-interventional treatment methods. : Photos + videos | WE'RE HIRING. The fear is that fires starting in dry open space will spread quickly over the urban interface into densely populated areas with woodsy yards, homes and other structures. Wildfire threat is closely tied to weather conditions. 4 0 obj<> endobj From a DWA, call 911 (510-642-3333 via cell) for assistance. Californias recent large-scale fires are serving to some extent as laboratories for what works best. American Red Cross (apps, map): The nonprofit American Red Cross offers a variety of free apps to help with emergency preparation and response, including a first aid app, a pet first aid app and a severe weather emergency app that lets you monitor emergency alerts, locally and far away. Seek reassurance and/or proof that fire codes are met, including the availability of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and that all window bars can be. But for much of the public, its overwhelming. Free for all, funded by readers. Wood such as siding, shingles, roofs or decks are kindling to embers and fuel for flames. An arrival place could be a community center, shelter, place to receive hotel vouchers, or meet up with your friends and family. Building Permits - for building permit history from 1991 through December 10, 2015, Creek Status - to view the applicability of the creek ordinance to the subject property. In 2020, Berkeley had 25 days of Red Flag Warnings and only 2 days of Extreme Fire Weather. What does it mean to harden my home against fire? Participants of the program get national recognition for their work, he said. What do wildfires have to do with air pollution? One good to come of this tragedy was disaster advice just for renters. Property owners can face fines and a misdemeanor conviction if they fail to comply after repeated notifications. Emilie Raguso (former senior editor, news) joined Berkeleyside in 2012 and covered politics, public safety and development until her departure in 2022. Original post, June 1: If Berkeley police and fire get their way, city residents will soon have another number etched in their memory cells, along with phone, address and date of birth. Once decisions are made, using incident information coming in from many sources such as responders on the ground and helicopters overhead, they must be communicated quickly, to everyone coming in to help, fire, law, media, the public, May said. Look for horizontal as well as vertical spacing, so upper branches are spaced apart. Risk fire zones say not enough is being done to reduce the risk of wildfires in Berkeley but confirm phones! Are serving to some extent as laboratories for what works best but data can shed light on how these might! 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