Resilient Cloverdale launches CLOVE Ready initiative for disaster preparedness and community outreach

The Cloverdale City Council meeting on April 9, 2025, highlighted significant efforts in disaster preparedness and community resilience, particularly in light of recent changes in wildfire risk assessments. The discussion centered around the "CLOVE Ready" initiative, aimed at enhancing disaster readiness and community outreach, especially for vulnerable populations.

A key focus was the collaboration with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on a project called Haywire, which examines the potential impacts of an earthquake on the San Andreas Fault. This research is particularly relevant for Cloverdale, which has experienced similar disruptions in utilities during past emergencies. Professor Jennifer Shea from San Francisco State University led a study on social cohesion in the community, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.

The meeting also addressed the updated CAL FIRE maps indicating that Cloverdale has moved into a "very high severe zone" for wildfire risks. This change necessitates new defensible space requirements around homes, which could lead to fines for non-compliance. City officials stressed the importance of educating residents about these changes and the need for home hardening to protect properties from wildfires.

Community outreach efforts are being expanded to include various groups, such as seniors, economically disadvantaged residents, and families with children. The council recognized the challenges faced by these populations during emergencies, including evacuation difficulties and communication barriers, particularly for non-English speakers.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to bolster disaster resilience through targeted outreach and education, ensuring that all residents are informed about evacuation zones and preparedness strategies. The council's proactive approach aims to foster a safer and more resilient Cloverdale, ready to face potential disasters with a united community effort.