Fire Preparedness

The climate changes we have been facing should encourage everyone to prepare for all kinds of disasters, especially fires. Corte Madera is at risk of wildfire. Did you know that major fires burned out of control on Mt. Tamalpais in 1929 and 1945? The damage from wildfires is severe but it can be minimized if we are prepared. 
On this page you will find lots of valuable information regarding fire preparedness and prevention. Remember that disasters are always unexpected but there is no better way to face them than by being as knowledgeable, prepared and informed as possible. 

FIRESafe Marin
FIRESafe MARIN

uses the “Ready, Set, Go!” education program. Ready, Set, Go!  helps organize the preparation actions needed by residents and businesses to be ready for wildfire.

READY: Wildfire Preparedness

Being Ready for wildfire starts with maintaining an adequate defensible space and by hardening your home by using fire resistant 
building materials.  

SET: Prepare to Evacuate

FIRESafe Marin suggests five steps to getting set: 
  1. Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family, and pets. It is recommended that everyone in your household is familiar with your evacuation plan. To view the checklist provided by FIRESafe Marin on creating a wildfire action plan, please click here. 
  2. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit for each person in your household. To view the supply kit checklist provided by FIRESafe Marin, please click here. 
  3. Fill out a Family Communication Plan that includes important evacuation and contact information. To view guide on how to create a Family Communication Plan provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), please click here. FEMA also provides a Family Emergency Communication Plan fillable card. To download the fillable card, please click here. 
  4. Check your Fire Insurance, and make sure your policy is up to date. Insurance can protect what is important to you. To review FIRESafe Marin's tips on fire insurance, please click here.  
  5. Familiarize yourself with FIRESafe Marin's Wildfire Evacuation Guide. To view the evacuation guide, please click here. 

​GO: Evacuate Early

When wildfire strikes, you should take action immediately. FIRESafe Marin suggests taking five steps to get ready to go. 
  1. Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist. To view CalFire's home evacuation checklist, please click here. 
  2. Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit is in your vehicle. It is recommended that you put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire occurs. To view CalFire's checklist on creating a supply kit, click here. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Locate your pets, place them in crates, gather pet food and supplies, and prepare to take them with you. 
  5. Review the IBHS Last Minute Evacuation Checklist if you have time (before evacuation is ordered or advised). To download a copy of the checklist, please click here. 


CalFireLogoNew
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

 is dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of California's privately-owned wildlands. In addition, the Department provides varied emergency services in 36 of the State's 58 counties via contracts with local governments.

Part of CAL FIRE’s mission is to prevent fires. The department’s Fire Prevention Program consists of multiple activities including wildland pre-fire engineering, vegetation management, fire planning, education and law enforcement. Common projects include fire break construction and other fire fuel reduction activities that lessen the risk of wildfire to communities.  This may include brush clearance around communities, along roadways and evacuation routes. Other important activities include defensible space inspections, emergency evacuation planning, fire prevention education, fire hazard severity mapping, implementation of the State Fire Plan, fire-related law enforcement activities such as investigations to determine fire cause and origin as well as arson  cases, and support for local government fire safe planning in the SRA.

CAL FIRE provides fire safety education to the citizens and visitors of this State. To view the information and resources shared by CAL FIRE, please click on the following links: 
CAL FIRE also has an App available that can help you plan for wildfire. To download the app, please click here. 


USFA
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)

 is an entity of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and it's mission is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness and response. USFA develops and delivers fire prevention and safety education programs in partnership with other federal agencies, the fire and emergency response community, the media, and safety interest groups. They also work with the public and private groups to promote and improve fire prevention and life safety through research, testing and evaluation.

If you wish to view their outreach materials and educational programs, please click here. 

USFA also provides general home fire safety handouts. Click on any of the links below to download a copy for you to share with your friends and family. 
USFA also provides outreach materials for older adults. Older adults have an increased risk of dying in a fire. You can always help prevent older adult fire deaths in your community. To view the safety tips, social media messages, public service announcements and handouts developed by the USFA and other organizations, please click here.  You can also find fire safety outreach materials for people with disabilities. To view the materials USFA provides, please click here. 
The information contained in this page is derived from the following online sources: 
  • http://www.readyforwildfire.org/
  • https://www.usfa.fema.gov/index.html
  • http://www.firesafemarin.org/
  • https://www.marincounty.org/depts/fr/disaster-preparedness
  • https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/133447