Before the Threat
 

On July 25 and August 1, San Diego County residents will take to the streets, back roads, byways and highways in a Summer of Service for wildfire preparedness. BEFORE THE THREAT volunteers will reach up to 400,000 households in areas of high risk for wildfire. Having experienced two catastrophic Fire Sieges in only four years, San Diego's first responders and volunteers will fight back in 2009 by joining forces and going door-to-door with BEFORE THE THREAT - a toolkit offering life-saving information on preparing home and family for firestorms. Along with brochures and printed materials, the packet features a handsomely produced DVD which individuals are encouraged to share with neighbors and friends.

Last year, the neighbor-to-neighbor approach was tested and proven highly successful in the San Miguel Fire Protection District, which originated the project in partnership with Farmers Insurance. This year, Fire Departments countywide are taking up the challenge and sponsoring community-based distribution of BEFORE THE THREAT, with the help of a volunteer army.

Each resident who acts upon the information provided in BEFORE THE THREAT, and protects a home from flames and embers, becomes the firefighters' ally in battle. And given the speeds at which our regional wildfires now spread, the fight for life and safety is every San Diegan's mission.

How can you help?

To learn more and find an opportunity near you, click on the projects below.

BEFORE THE THREAT: City of Carlsbad Emergency Preparedness
BEFORE THE THREAT: City of San Diego CERT Program
BEFORE THE THREAT: Deer Springs Fire Protection District
BEFORE THE THREAT: Lakeside Fire Protection District
BEFORE THE THREAT: Montezuma Valley Volunteer Fire Department
BEFORE THE THREAT: Pala Fire Department
BEFORE THE THREAT: Ramona CAL FIRE
BEFORE THE THREAT: San Diego County Fire Authority/CAL FIRE Branch
BEFORE THE THREAT: San Miguel Consolidated Fire District
BEFORE THE THREAT: Vista Fire Department