OAKHURST–The local American Red Cross in Oakhurst has been selected to participate in a pilot “Wildfire Assessment” program for the residents of Eastern Madera County. This program is to assess Zone Zero (0 to 5 feet from your residence). Most structures that burn during a wildfire are the result of burning embers igniting combustible vegetation and other combustibles within Zone Zero.
Red Cross volunteers have been trained to conduct this assessment. In addition to assessing Zone Zero, they provide educational materials for wildfire prevention. They will also install new 10-year smoke alarms in your home if you would like.
This assessment is entirely voluntary. The volunteers will only give you recommendations to help you meet the new Zone Zero law. It is not sent to Cal Fire or any other agency. The goal is to assess 25 properties by the end of the month.
If you would like to have Red Cross volunteers assess your home, please send your contact information to wildfiresafety93601@yahoo.com, and you will be contacted to schedule a visit.
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/centralcalifornia or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCCR
