Dear Cambrians,
In light of the recent fires affecting our region, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of being prepared and staying informed. Our community has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity, and now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we all take proactive steps to ensure our safety and the safety of those around us.
Stay Informed:
There are several trusted sources for up-to-date information and resources to help you prepare for emergencies:
- Cambria CSD Website – For local updates and evacuation information specific to our community. Visit: www.cambriacsd.org
- ReadySLO.org – The County’s official preparedness website with helpful tips on how to get ready for wildfires and other emergencies. Visit: Readyslo.org
- American Red Cross – Offers disaster relief, evacuation shelter information, and emergency assistance. Visit: Redcross.org
- San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services (OES) – For county-wide alerts and preparedness resources. Visit: Slocounty.ca.gov/oes
- Cal Fire – For fire-related updates and safety information. Visit: fire.ca.gov
What You Can Do:
- Create a Family Emergency Plan: Make sure every member of your household knows how to evacuate and where to meet. Consider pets and neighbors in your plan.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have essential supplies including food, water, first aid, and medications. Update it regularly.
- Stay Ready to Evacuate: If you’re advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Time is critical during a fire emergency. Follow the official evacuation routes and listen for updates.
- Know Your Fire Risk: With wildfires in our area, ensure your property is defensible. Clear brush, create defensible space, and keep emergency tools accessible.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Make sure you’re signed up for local warning systems, such as SLO County’s emergency notifications.
- Evacuation Assistance Program: The Evacuation Assistance Program is primarily for independent-living individuals in San Luis Obispo County with disabilities or medical needs within the DCPP who would need assistance evacuating in an emergency. When signing up for the program, please remember that there is no guarantee in an emergency that first responders will be able to assist you with evacuation. It’s imperative that Individuals on the list still make evacuation plans and, if possible, with family, friends and/or neighbors because first responders will not be able to help as quickly as family, friends and/or neighbors can.
Eligible individuals are those who live in the DCPP Emergency Planning Zone who are independent-living but unable to evacuate themselves during an emergency at Diablo Canyon due to a disability or medical need. Note: This list is designed for emergencies at Diablo Canyon Power Plant. While it may be used in other types of emergencies, formal plans are not in place to do so. Individuals who live in jurisdictions outside the Emergency Planning Zone may sign up, but formal plans have not been developed to provide evacuation assistance. For more information, please visit: https://www.cambriacsd.org/evacuation-assistance-program.
Remember, disasters can strike at any time, and being prepared is our best defense. I urge all community members to stay vigilant, stay informed, and make sure you are ready to act quickly if needed.
Together, we can ensure that our community is well-prepared and resilient in the face of emergencies. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Michael Burkey
Cambria CSD Fire Chief
To view the full letter, please visit: cambriacsd.org/emergency-preparedness-and-fire-safety-resources.
