Attached is a copy of the District’s proposed Ordinance 13-2023, which, in summary, adopts and amends the 2022 California Fire Code. The proposed Ordinance includes the District’s findings supporting its amendments to the Fire Code (see Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5). The Board will hold its first reading of the proposed Ordinance 13-2023 on Tuesday, May 30. On May 30, the Board will consider (1) introducing and waiving the reading of the proposed Ordinance and (2) scheduling a public hearing for June 27, 2023, or such other date as determined by the Board, to consider adopting, amending, or rejecting the...
Woodside Fire News
News from Woodside Fire Protection District
In accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7, I have attached a copy of the District’s proposed ordinance 13-2023 adopting and amending the 2022 California Fire Code. The Ordinance, which includes the District’s findings supporting its amendments to the Fire Code (see Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5), will be introduced for first reading, and discussion, at the District Board’s meeting on Tuesday, April 25. The Board will hold its public hearing on Ordinance 13-2023 on Tuesday, May 30, at which time the Board may adopt the Ordinance. We would, of course, be happy to discuss the proposed Ordinance...
In the fire service, we treat all downed powerlines as ENERGIZED. Downed Power Line Safety Tips · If you see a downed power line, move away from it and anything touching it. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized. · You cannot tell whether or not a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all downed power lines are live. · The proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at...
We’ve Changed Our Name: We are EPiCEPiC for Emergency Preparedness in Communities is the new name of the district-wide 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation CERPP. Our Board of Directors thought it was time to lighten things up and showcase the organization’s evolution. Also it was a problem that CERPP rhymed with CERT, and the spelled-out name never fit on forms. Bonus: EPiC means something very positive, whereas CERPP was “just an acronym.” Your Communities Need You Please join the small, dedicated group of residents from around the fire district – Woodside, Portola Valley, Emerald Hills, Ladera, Los Trancos Woods, Skyline, and Vista Verde – who...
SMC Alert remains smcalert.info The San Mateo County alert and warning system is undergoing a major upgrade. The URL for SMC Alert will remain SMCAlert.info but our software will be changing from Everbridge to RAVE mobile alerting. Click on the link for more information. https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/update-smc-alert-san-mateo-countys-alert-system If you are already enrolled in SMC Alert your information has been transferred to the new system, you will continue to receive alerts as you have in the past. We encourage you to create a new account on the new SMC Alert so that you can access new innovative features and make any changes to your account. ...
Woodside Fire Selected for the National Community Wildfire Planning Assistance Program. Woodside Fire Protection District including the Town of Portola Valley, the Town of Woodside, and parts of unincorporated San Mateo County have been selected to receive wildfire planning assistance in 2021 under the national Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program (CPAW). The goal of the CPAW program is to reduce wildfire threat to homes and businesses while increasing public safety and community welfare. For more information click on the link below. https://www.communitywildfire.org/ 2021_CPAW_Media_Release_Woodside.pdf CPAW_Overview_Handout_2021.pdf
Stay one step ahead with Zonehaven Evacuation resources and information to help you stay informed, prepared, and safe. In the event of a wildfire or an emergency situation, law enforcement and fire agencies issue evacuation warnings or evacuation orders for impacted areas. These notices are issued for a Zone with an evacuation Status. Be informed ~ Find your zone. https://myzone.zonehaven.com/
PG&E has provided helpful information and links on where to go during a PSPS event. Please click on link below. Where_To_Go_For_Additional_Information.pdf
Sheltering in place can disrupt our routines and challenge our ability to tend to responsibilities, such as work and caring for loved ones. Understandably, we may become nervous or uncomfortable when sheltering in place. The following information can help you cope emotionally with this type of emergency. Click on the link below for more information Coping_with_Shelter_in_Place_Emergencies.pdf
CVS now has 13 new disposal kiosks for residents to safely dispose of unwanted and expired medicine. Visit www.smchealth.org/RxDisposal for a list of the San Mateo County Health System's 49 kiosks conveniently located throughout San Mateo County. San Mateo County now has over 50 medicine disposal locations available for residents to dispose of medicine safely. By taking your unwanted or expired medicine to one of the convenient kiosks listed below, you are protecting the environment, preventing overdoses and errors, and helping keep drugs away from kids and teens. Click on the link to find your nearest location: smchealth.org
All residents of San Mateo County are invited to join us in thedevelopment of the San Mateo County Hazard Mitigation Plan. • We want to hear about what concerns you the most andwhat impact disasters have had on you and your family.• We want your feedback throughout the planning process.• We want your edits and suggestions to the plan as draftsbecome available for review. Take the first step by submitting your response to the San MateoCounty Hazard Mitigation Public Survey! Click on the link below to take you to the survey. San Mateo County Survey
With the onset of summer months comes increased wildfire risk. As temperatures peak, humidity drops and the summer winds blow, the potential for wildland fires grows exponentially. Despite the efforts of the fire services, many homes are lost each year due to wildland and wildland urban interface fires. It is imperative that you prepare now to protect your home from such occurrences.
To assist homeowners and residents with creating Defensible Space, we have added several useful videos to our Defensible Space page.
Fire Department personnel will soon be out in the neighborhoods reminding homeowners of the requirement for property owners to create defensible space around their homes. The Defensible Space area is the area where you’ve modified the landscaping to give your home the best chance to survive during a wildfire – greatly improving the odds for firefighters who are defending your neighborhood. “Defensible Space” area should be a minimum of 100 feet of clearance around your home (or up to your property line). If your home is on a slope or subject to high winds, extend the distance of this zone to...