SAFE San Diego initiative bolsters regional fire safety programs
Agencies like CAL FIRE, San Diego County Fire Authority, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and others do a remarkable job protecting our region from wildfires. But oftentimes, the first line of defense in an emergency comes at the local level from Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and Fire Safe Councils.
CERTified Community Heroes
Working with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, CERT teams receive expert training and take it back to their communities, teaching disaster preparedness skills in their neighborhoods. These groups are dedicated resources for their communities, providing education programs to help families, neighbors and businesses prepare before an emergency, and safely make it through the first few hours or days if one does occur.
Outside of San Diego city limits, communities like Chula Vista and Fallbrook rely on Fire Safe Councils to help prepare for wildfires. Fire Safe Councils provide education and assistance to their communities by helping residents maintain defensible space, removing dry vegetation, hosting educational workshops and more.
The work performed by Fire Safe Councils and CERTS is vital to the safety and preparedness of our region. At SDG&E, we’re proud to invest in the programs and services these groups provide through our SAFE San Diego initiative. In 2017, we provided more than $700,000 in funding to over 80 organizations, including 62 Fire Safe Councils and CERTs, for projects that would not have otherwise been possible.
“SDG&E giving back to our community means a lot to us because we are an all-volunteer organization,” said Rhona Deniston of the Oceanside CERT. “This funding gives us the ability to buy equipment and be able to provide the training for the CERT Team in Oceanside, so it’s a big help to us.”
Stronger Connections for a Stronger San Diego
In addition to volunteer-based groups, SAFE San Diego funding also supports a number of local fire departments and non-profit organizations such as the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties, the Burn Institute and others.
By working with local CERTs, Fire Safe Councils, fire departments and community organizations, we are helping build a stronger network in the San Diego region focused on making our communities more resilient, better prepared and ultimately safer.
To learn more about our commitment to safety, visit SDGEnews.com/safe.