From Awareness To Preparedness – Personal Wildfire Emergency Preparedness In The Verde Valley

Sedona News – Living in a forested area of severe drought and wildfire danger, fire safety and emergency preparedness are primary concerns for Verde Valley residents. The Sedona Women (TSW) are excited to present From Awareness to Preparedness – Personal Wildfire Emergency Preparedness in the Verde Valley on Thursday, March 13^th at 10 am. This program is designed to address personal emergency fire preparedness and evacuation for yourself and your family, the early warning notification systems, some of our key regional agencies responsible for fire management, and other key issues for residents of the Verde Valley.

In order to accommodate the expected interest in this presentation, this TSW monthly meeting has been moved to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 100 Arroyo Pinon Drive in West Sedona. The Sedona Women monthly programs are open to our members and the community. Space is limited and admission is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Representatives from the Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, the Coconino County Emergency Response Team, the Sedona Fire District, which encompasses both Yavapai and Coconino Counties, and the Sedona Police Department will present guidelines, checklists and detailed individual preparedness information for our Verde Valley residents.

The Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management supports the Firewise USA training program, which educates homeowners on how to protect their homes and communities against wildfires. Matt Rust, North Zone Prevention Captain, and Jacob Richardson, Northern Zone Lead Fire Prevention Officer, will provide insight into the Firewise program and the best structured approach toward property defensibility.

Steve Brazell, Yavapai Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Officer, will address personal wildfire emergency preparedness and will bring checklists, information and resources for Yavapai County residents.

Alan Anderson, Coconino Emergency Team (CERT) Coordinator, and Myrna Goldstein, instructor for the CERT team, will present the Coconino County fire preparedness guidelines and recommendations for residents.

Sedona Fire District Chief, Ed Mezulis, a 25-year Sedona Fire District veteran, will present insights and recommendations for what each one of us can do to be prepared for wildfire.  Sedona Police Chief, Stephanie Foley, will address how the police department will coordinate and assist the Sedona Fire District and the regional offices responsible for fire management.

These agency representatives will help us understand our personal ability to be prepared for wildfire emergency. Unique aspects may apply to each county and fire district.

The many resources include Emergency Notification systems, the Ready Set Go program, basic readiness checklists, Go Bag guidelines, binder assembly for essential documents, checklists of emergency supplies, first aid and water needs, auto/mobility guidelines, and assistance for pets, horses, and livestock care.

TSW programs are scheduled monthly every second Thursday from September through May from 10:00 a.m. to noon. To learn more about The Sedona Women or to become a member, visit thesedonawomen.com or contact thesedonawomen@gmail.com.

The Sedona Women are dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact on the community by providing opportunities for women to build relationships, to learn about the community, to support community needs, and to enhance the natural beauty and distinctive character of Sedona. TSW is an apolitical 501(c)(3) organization that respects the diversity of its members and the inclusivity of our community.