With the threat of COVID-19 at the top of everyone’s minds, Fire Safe Marin has taken the necessary steps to protect staff, neighborhood leaders, and the community. In response to recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Fire Safe Marin staff are working remotely and all organization and Firewise USA leader meetings have been postponed. All in-person community education and meetings are on-hold until further notice.
The County of Marin Department of Public Health has established that vegetation management project for public safety and wildfire preparedness are en essentila public service. Fire Safe Marin will continue ongoing, grant-funded projects to reduce wildfire hazards durint the shelter-in-place order. We are currently working to reduce roadside vegetation in Central Marin using contractors. Our contractors are utilizing protective measures, including: social distancing among workers and the public; limited public contact; sanitation of tools, and using single tools per crew-member; portable hand washing stations; N95 masks and other PPE if appropriate.
We’d like to thank our neighborhood leaders for their cooperation and flexibility during this time and for recognizing the importance of our decision. Our staff will remain available during business hours via email and phone, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Given the closure of many businesses and services, the practice of social distancing, and the fear of potential threats, it’s important the community comes together (figuratively) to support those impacted.
COVID-19 and its consequences are a reminder that our families and communities need to be prepared for disasters. We should take this time to reflect on the ever-present possibility of disturbances in our daily routines and our abilities to overcome them, wildfire included.
Regular wildfire safety communications will resume in april 2020, with planning for an anticipated “virtual” Wildfire Community Preparedness Day the first Saturday in may.
