Chairman Rowe and Chief Munsey advise residents on preparedness

*A San Bernardino County firefighter battles flames during recent wildfires in Los Angeles County*

As wildfires continue to impact communities in Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County is focused on the dangers that strong winds pose to our communities and preparing for the worst.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Dawn Rowe and County Fire Chief Dan Munsey had a conversation on Tuesday about San Bernardino County’s state of preparedness, concerns being raised by county residents in light of the Los Angeles fires, and what county residents can and should do to prepare.

Rowe and Munsey discussed the work San Bernardino County has done with residents to be fire-ready, the availability of water in different parts of the county, the help San Bernardino County has provided to Los Angeles-area firefighting agencies, technology that dramatically reduces response times, and more.

County Fire is working around the clock to support emergency operations in Los Angeles County. Since the early stages of both the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, San Bernardino County Fire crews have been actively involved in response efforts.

County Fire has deployed three strike team leaders, two strike teams, three type 1 fire engines, one type 6 brush patrol, one hand crew, three water tenders, one dozer and Urban Search and Rescue Regional Task Force 6. Each of County Fire’s strike team leaders, engines and hand crews have been engaged in firefighting operations, while USAR RTF6 is conducting wide area searches for casualties. County Fire remains fully staffed and ready to respond to all emergencies.

Rowe and Munsey also highlighted the resources the county provides to help residents prepare at Prepare.sbcounty.gov and Sbcfire.org/readysetgo. To sign up for TENS emergency alerts, visit oes.sbcounty.gov.

With fires, power outages, and strong winds happening now, it’s more important than ever to prepare. By getting ready for these risks, we can reduce their impact and keep our families and communities safe.

Here are some simple steps to help you prepare:

Make a Plan: Create an emergency plan for your family. Know your evacuation routes, have a way to communicate, and agree on a meeting place if you get separated.
Pack a Go Bag: Put together a bag with things you’ll need in case you need to leave quickly. Include items like medications, important papers, cash, clothing and other essentials. Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot.
Stay Informed: Keep track of the weather, evacuation orders and emergency alerts by checking local news, social media and official websites.

Strong winds and fires have caused power outages in the area. To be ready for situations like this, here are a few more tips:

Stock up on non-perishable food, water and emergency supplies.
Have flashlights, extra batteries and a battery-powered radio.
Make a family emergency communication plan.
Keep flammable materials away from your home and clear vegetation.

By taking these simple steps, we can all be better prepared for emergencies. Remember, being ready can save lives.

Additional County Update News – Jan. 16, 2025