‘Ready, Set, Go!’ workshops coming soon
EAGLE COUNTY — Local fire agencies throughout Eagle County will join together to share critical information on how best to prepare and protect private property in neighborhoods at risk for wildfire. A series of community preparedness meetings have been scheduled throughout May and June to educate citizens on the “Ready, Set, Go!” initiative, a national program developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Dates are:
• May 16, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Brush Creek Pavilion in Eagle, hosted by the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District.
• May 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Gypsum Fire Station in Gypsum, hosted by the Gypsum Fire Protection District.
• June 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Eagle-Vail Pavilion, hosted by the Eagle River Fire Protection District.
• June 23, 9 to 11 a.m. at McCoy Rodeo Grounds, hosted by the Rock Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
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• June 26, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at West Vail Fire Station in Vail, hosted by Vail Fire and Emergency Services.
The sessions are free and community members are welcome to attend any meeting. In addition to the fire agencies, sponsors of the program include American Red Cross, Avon Police Department, Colorado State Forest Service, Eagle Police Department, Vail Police Department, SteamMaster and Eagle County, including the Sheriff’s Office.
The program is aimed at involving homeowners in protecting their property from the threat of wildfire using these principles:
• Ready: Take personal responsibility and prepare before the threat of a wildfire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Make sure all residents within the home are on the same page and plan escape routes.
• Set: Act immediately. Pack your vehicle with your emergency items. Stay abreast of the latest alerts. Sign up at http://www.ECAlert.org for emergency notification.
• Go: Leave early! Following your action plan makes you prepared. Firefighters are now able to best fight the wildfire and ensure you and your family’s safety.
For more information on these and other preparedness programs, as well information on upcoming Ready, Set, Go! workshops for Spanish-speaking residents, contact Eagle County Wildfire Mitigation Manager Eric Lovgren, 970-328-8742.