County of Santa Clara Proclaims May 3, 2025, as “Wildfire Community Preparedness Day”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2025
Media Contact:
Charles Harris
Senior Public Information Officer
Media Line: (408) 808-7866
Email: [email protected]
County of Santa Clara Proclaims May 3, 2025, as “Wildfire Community Preparedness Day”
County officials encourage community members to ensure their homes and families are prepared for wildfires
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The County of Santa Clara has officially proclaimed Saturday, May 3, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, kicking off Wildfire Preparedness Month. This proclamation comes in response to the growing threat of wildfires in our region and reflects the County’s commitment to protecting residents through education, preparation, and community resilience efforts.
In recent years, we have seen devastating wildfires across California, including in Santa Clara County and surrounding areas. In 2020, the SCU Lightning Complex fire – one of the largest wildfires in California history – scorched nearly 400,000 acres in and around Santa Clara County and destroyed 222 structures. Earlier, the 2016 Loma Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains burned over 4,400 acres and destroyed more than a dozen homes locally. Most recently, in January 2025, Los Angeles County was severely impacted by wildfires that affected multiple regions, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate, destroying homes, and burning thousands of acres of land. These incidents underscore the urgent need for proactive wildfire preparedness at every level, from regional coordination between agencies to individual household readiness.
Every May, the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works closely with regional partners, including the Santa Clara County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, local city fire departments, and community organizations, to enhance wildfire readiness. This collaboration strengthens early warning systems, firefighting coordination, and public outreach efforts across the county. OEM officials expressed gratitude for the support of these partner agencies and community groups, noting that wildfire safety is a shared responsibility. “Our preparedness is a team effort. We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Santa Clara County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, local city fire departments, and community organizations that help us plan, educate, and protect our community,” said Dana Reed, Director of the County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management. “Wildfire preparedness is a top priority for Santa Clara County. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners and residents to strengthen our resilience. By preparing together – through initiatives like Wildfire Preparedness Month – we can save lives, protect property, and preserve our environment.”
The Santa Clara County Fire Department began hosting Wildfire Preparedness Workshops starting April 22, 2025, and will continue offering sessions through August 2025. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, in celebration of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, the County Fire Department will host a Wildfire Preparedness Workshop from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Joan Pisani Community Center in Saratoga. This event will provide valuable insights on wildfire prevention, evacuation strategies, and creating defensible spaces around homes. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend and take proactive steps toward protecting their homes and families. To find additional workshops near you, visit www.sccfd.org/wildfire.
In addition to the workshop, residents are urged to participate in Wildfire Community Preparedness Day by taking key actions such as clearing brush around their homes, creating family evacuation plans, and learning about emergency communication strategies. “Providing timely and accurate information is crucial in emergencies,” said Charles Harris, Senior Public Information Officer for the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Emergency Management. “Our goal is to empower every resident with the knowledge and tools to stay safe. We urge the public to take proactive steps now – assemble a Go-Bag with essential supplies, create an evacuation plan for your family, and sign up for emergency alerts like AlertSCC – so you’re ready if a wildfire strikes. By staying informed and prepared, each of us contributes to a safer, more resilient community.”
Wildfire Preparedness Tips:
• Before a Wildfire: Prepare now to protect your home and family. Create a defensible space around your property by clearing dry vegetation and brush – 100 feet of defensible space is required by law in California to slow the spread of fires. Also, assemble an emergency supply kit or Go-Bag with at least a three-day supply of essentials (non-perishable food, water – 3 gallons per person, medications, copies of important documents, etc.). Develop a family evacuation plan with multiple escape routes and practice it. Don’t forget to sign up for local emergency alerts, such as AlertSCC, to receive critical warnings and updates. For detailed preparedness information, visit www.preparescc.org/wildfire for local resources and guidance.
• During a Wildfire: Stay alert to official warnings via emergency alerts, news, or NOAA weather radio. If an evacuation is ordered, leave immediately—do not wait. Follow your pre-planned routes and head to a safe location. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and an N95 mask to filter out smoke. If time allows, close windows, shut off gas valves, and remove flammable window treatments. Remember: safety is the priority—leave when instructed and do not return until authorities say it’s safe.
• After a Wildfire: Return home only when authorities have given the all-clear. Even after the fire front has passed, dangers can remain, such as downed power lines, falling tree branches, hot spots, or smoldering debris. Use extreme caution around burned areas and wear an N95 mask and heavy gloves when handling ash or rubble to protect your health. Avoid stirring up ash or dust, as it may contain toxic substances. Safely dispose of any food, water, or medications that were exposed to heat or smoke. Check on neighbors, especially elderly or vulnerable individuals, to ensure they are safe. Stay tuned to public officials for information on disaster assistance and contact your insurance provider if your property was damaged. The County will continue to provide support and resources to help the community recover in the aftermath of a wildfire.
Santa Clara County’s proclamation of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day reaffirms the County’s dedication to saving lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment. Throughout May, OEM and its partners will be sharing safety tips, hosting community preparedness events, and encouraging all residents to take personal action against the threat of wildfires. The County of Santa Clara remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard residents. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit www.preparescc.org/wildfire. Together, we can build a resilient, safer community.
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About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of the Santa Clara County community. We remain steadfast, and devoted to a core mission - safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment. These values form the cornerstone of our existence, guiding us through the phases of emergency management, from emergency preparedness, prevention, and mitigation to the intricate coordination of response and recovery. We envision a future where disaster preparedness is not an individual burden, but a shared responsibility woven into the fabric of our community. This vision extends to every corner of the Operational Area, where we strive for a culture where every resident, every organization, and every entity is prepared.
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