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How to prepare: go bags, defensible space and local training in San Carlos
Summary
Emergency coordinators urged residents to prepare go bags for 3–7 days, create defensible space (zones 0–2), know two evacuation routes, sign up for CERT and stop‑the‑bleed trainings, and attend Disaster Preparedness Day on Aug. 2 for hands‑on workshops.
San Carlos and county emergency officials used the webinar to give residents step‑by‑step guidance: assemble go bags, plan evacuation routes, create defensible space around homes, and take local emergency training.
Elena Folio, the outreach coordinator, recommended go bags to sustain families for three to seven days and listed essentials: water, basic clothing (including closed‑toed shoes), medications and a separate container for medical supplies, copies of identification and important documents, a headlamp rather than a flashlight, spare batteries, a small first‑aid kit and nonperishable food. Folio advised residents to prepare extra kits for pets and children as needed and to store bags in multiple locations (car, workplace, home).
On home hardening, Folio and Chief Dunia described defensible space zones: an immediate noncombustible area adjacent to the home (zone 0), a lean/clean/green zone close to the structure (zone 1), and a broader 100‑foot fuel reduction zone (zone 2) where trimming and fuel removal reduce ember and flame exposure. The pair stressed that embers can travel and ignite distant fuels near homes.
Officials encouraged residents to join CERT (community emergency response team) training and stop‑the‑bleed workshops. The panelists promoted a county Disaster Preparedness Day on Aug. 2 at the county event center with free workshops including extinguisher training, stop‑the‑bleed, large‑animal rescue demonstrations and family activities; registration information will be posted on city and county websites.
During Q&A, panelists advised that fire blankets can help smother small fires if they are accessible and recommended mounting fire extinguishers near exits rather than stowing them behind other items. The city also announced a limited emergency‑kit giveaway for residents who show proof of basic preparedness steps and two evacuation routes via email to communications@cityofsancarlos.org.
The webinar closed with reminders: plan, prepare, practice and repeat.
