Week 3: Strength in Numbers – Community Actions to Prepare for Wildfire

Welcome back to Wildfire Awareness Month! For the past two weeks, we've focused on understanding individual risk and preparing our homes and families. This week, we're shifting our focus outward to the power of collective action: community actions to prepare for wildfire.

Wildfire preparedness isn't just an individual responsibility; it's a community-wide effort that can significantly enhance our overall safety and resilience.

Why Community Preparedness Matters

Wildfires don't respect property lines. When a wildfire threatens, the entire community is at risk. By working together, we can:

• Increase Awareness: Spread vital information and encourage more residents to take action.

• Share Resources and Knowledge: Pool resources and learn from each other's experiences and expertise.

• Coordinate Efforts: Develop and implement comprehensive preparedness strategies that benefit everyone.

• Support Each Other: Offer assistance to vulnerable neighbors and strengthen community bonds during challenging times.

• Advocate for Change: Collectively push for policies and resources that enhance wildfire safety at a local level.

Pinewood Lake Wildfire Action Group Preparedness Actions

There are many ways to come together to prepare for wildfire:

• Neighborhood Slash Days: We plan to have at least two neighborhood slash days where you can dispose of slash and woody debris, reducing fuel loads in our neighborhood. Read about our most recent Slash Day.

• Community Education Workshops: We will be hosting annual workshops and presentations on defensible space, home hardening, evacuation planning, and wildfire safety. Read about our most recent workshop, How to Prepare for Everything!

• Community Fuel Reduction Projects: Read about how the Pinewood Road Association recently secured a Grant for Green Mountain Drive to clear brush and create fuel breaks in common areas.

• Developing Community Evacuation Plans: Read about the New Evacuation Route if County Road 18E is blocked.

• Establishing Communication Networks: Learn about the community GMRS Radio Network. Read about how our neighborhood recently completed an emergency exercise with AREAS & Larimer County.

• Buddy System: Make sure you have at least two neighbor buddies who can check on you, or help you in the event of an incident.

Get Involved in Your Community's Efforts

• Connect with Your Neighborhood Association: Make sure you are subscribed to the Pinewood Lake Wildfire Action Group newsletters to stay up to date on wildfire preparedness activities and initiatives. Subscribe Here!

• Talk to Your Neighbors: Start conversations about wildfire preparedness and explore ways you can work together.

• Volunteer Your Time: Offer your skills and time to existing community preparedness initiatives.

The Power of Unity

Preparing for wildfire is a shared responsibility. By working together as a community, we can create a more resilient and safer environment for everyone. Let's harness the power of unity this week and explore how we can strengthen our community's wildfire preparedness.

What wildfire preparedness initiatives are happening in your community? What ideas do you have for community-level action? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below!