Community Update for September 12, 2024

Cover art for the third episode of the One Petaluma Podcast in English

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA ESPAÑOL

Hello, Petaluma —

We’re coming to you this week with a special issue of our Community Update focused on fire and emergency preparedness. Fire season is officially upon us and our hearts go out to those impacted by current wildfires.

September is recognized across the nation as National Preparedness Month — so let’s get prepared! We’ve pulled together a variety of resources to help you and your loved ones prepare should we be faced with fires or some other natural disaster. Much of this we’ve shared before, but it definitely bears repeating. The old adage about an ounce of prevention is definitely true when it comes to emergency preparedness!

Please take some time to review the information below and take some of the suggested steps. Fires are unpredictable and move quickly so a bit of planning ahead can go a long way should we find ourselves in harm’s way. It is especially critical that seniors and those with special needs or disabilities develop and implement their emergency plans.

To be clear, as of now, Petaluma is in no immediate danger from the current fires.

Thank you, Petaluma, for working so hard to care for our community and one another. We’ll see you in your inboxes again next week!

JOIN THE PETALUMA COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR SATURDAY, SEPT 22

Looking to check something off of your disaster preparedness list and need some inspiration? Please join local, county, and United States Coast Guard first responders and disaster response professionals along with the American Red Cross, HALTER project, and others to celebrate disaster resilience at the 12th annual Petaluma Community Emergency Preparedness Fair. The first 100 families will receive a free emergency gift and there will be free refreshments and emergency response demonstrations. It’s all happening Sunday September 22nd from 11:00am to 3:00pm right here in Petaluma at Walnut Park, and is organized by Troop 9 and the Elim Lutheran Church.

Need something you can access from your keyboard? Visit Ready.gov for some great information on disaster preparedness.

Help yourself, your family, your neighbors, and our local first responders in disaster response by spending a few moments improving your readiness and resilience.

ONE PETALUMA PODCAST EPISODE #3: FIRE SEASON

Need something to listen to while you pack your Go Bag (instructions below!)? Why not put on One Petaluma’s Fire Season episode! In this month’s installment of our city government podcast, you’ll learn more about how Petaluma’s fire risk is different from elsewhere in the North Bay, how to stay safe, and how your Fire Department team is working with other jurisdictions and community groups to create a system of mutual aid to strengthen our protections in the event of fires or other disasters.

CLICK HERE to listen to the interview with Jeff Schach, Petaluma’s Fire Chief; Chad Costa, Deputy Fire Chief; Jessica Power, Fire Marshall; and Tom Jordan, Emergency Manager.

One Petaluma is hosted by Jamieson Bunn, Communications Program Manager, and recorded at the KPCA studios in Petaluma. Sound production is by Rob Tomaszewski and editing for this episode is by Jamieson Bunn and Darren Racusen.

KNOW YOUR ZONE

The County of Sonoma manages a county-wide evacuation map that is used to help identify areas that are under threat either by fire, flood, earthquake, or power outage. Knowing your zone is essential because it allows you to understand the impact evacuation warnings or order have on you and your family.

Please take a moment to find your location and make note of your zone HERE.

Then, click HERE to download and print this map to keep in your Emergency Go Bag!

SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS

Staying updated is essential during an emergency. Emergency alerts are sent to share critical information regarding evacuations and safety during fires, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters.

We recommend signing up for the following alerts:

Local Petaluma Alerts through Nixle. Text your zip code to 888777 to sign up.
Sonoma County Emergency Alerts. Sign up HERE.
Watch Duty app. Watch Duty is a service powered by over 100 volunteers – firefighters, dispatchers, and first responders – who diligently monitor radio scanners and other social sources 24 hours a day to send you the most up-to-date information about current fires. Download the Watch Duty app or visit app.watchduty.org to access information and updates.

Click HERE to download and print a list of Emergency Alert contacts to keep in your Go Bag.

PACK A “GO BAG”

Be prepared to hit the road in a moment’s notice with basic survival necessities that you can grab and go. Create one bag for each member of your household (don’t forget your pets!).

Click HERE to download the printable checklist.

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

In the event of a disaster or public health emergency, your neighbors may be a critical resource. During the recent wildfires, many lives were saved by pounding on neighbors’ doors, honking horns to wake people up, and piling strangers and their animals into cars and out of danger zones.

FIND OUT:

Who has a special skill set that could be vital in an emergency (nurse, contractor, HAM radio operator, CERT or CPR trained, etc.)?
• Who has a generator?
• Who has a fenced yard or safe place to keep pets?
• Who has a truck or utility vehicle?
• Who has special needs, mobility issues, or may need a helping hand in the event of an evacuation?

Cool Petaluma’s Block Leader Program helps connect neighbors to increase our community’s resilience — both to climate change and in the event of natural disasters. Learn more about getting involved HERE.

CHECK THE AIR QUALITY

Respiratory health is important, so it’s essential to take steps to avoid exposure to unhealthy air. You can check current air quality conditions by visiting www.airnow.gov and entering your zip code.

Please take the following precautions when air quality is poor:

Limit time outside
Close the windows
Use fans or air conditioning with re-circulated air when possible
Stay hydrated

People who must be outdoors for long periods in areas with heavy smoke or ash may want to consider wearing an N95 respirator mask. Those with existing respiratory, lung or heart conditions should limit their exposure by staying indoors. Since wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe, those with lung or heart conditions should check with their doctor before using one.

For more information about how to protect yourself from unhealthy air quality, visit: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/protecting-yourself-wildfire-smoke.

BE AWARE OF THE HEAT

When temperatures rise, it’s important to keep yourself safe from potential heat-related injuries. During excessive heat, please make sure to:

Find air-conditioning when you can
Avoid any strenuous activities
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
Check on vulnerable neighbors, family, and friends
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

When spending time in the heat or direct sun, be sure you are taking the proper steps to avoid heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke.

Click the link below for more resources regarding staying safe during excessive heat: cityofpetaluma.org/heat.

GET EMERGENCY READY — VISIT OUR EMERGENCY PREP WEBPAGE

Disaster can strike unexpectedly and move fast. Planning ahead for yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors is a crucial step in making it through the unexpected safely.

For answers to questions not covered in this email or just to learn more, visit cityofpetaluma.org/emergencyprep for resources to help you get prepared to best protect yourself and your family.