Contribution provides critical support for community fire preparedness and prevention programs
More than 80 San Diego County community-based organizations dedicated to fire preparedness and emergency preparedness programs got a financial boost, thanks to a $900,000 grant from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). SDG&E distributed the grants on July 14 to representatives from San Diego County Fire Safe Councils, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and other regional leaders in emergency preparedness and fire safety.
“Safety is paramount at SDG&E, and we will continue to partner with state and local fire agencies, first responders, and weather experts to enhance overall fire preparedness in the region,” said John Sowers, vice president of electric distribution operations.
SDG&E awarded the grants as part of SAFE San Diego, the utility’s philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting non-profit organizations dedicated to disaster preparedness, emergency response training, wildfire education, and defensible space assistance programs.
Many of these safety groups depend on volunteers and are located throughout the communities served by the utility – from Mission Viejo Emergency Preparedness Outreach in southern Orange County, to Fire Safe Councils and CERTs in Poway, Crest, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Deer Springs, Julian, Fallbrook, Potrero, and nearly a dozen sovereign nations in San Diego County.
Other groups that received grants: 2-1-1 San Diego Disaster Program, the Burn Institute, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the Rincon Fire Safety and Prevention Outreach.
“On behalf of SDG&E, I couldn’t be more proud to be a champion for these smaller, volunteer-based organizations, who clearly feel strongly about helping their community and their neighbors,” said Sowers. “In many instances, these are the people who are among the first responders when there’s an emergency, like a wildfire or earthquake.”