SANTA FE – With the weather warming, the start of spring winds, and Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week at the end of the month, now is the time for residents in the New Mexico to take proactive steps against destructive wildfire. From the bosque to the mountains, individuals and communities shouldn’t feel helpless; they can learn how to take action to protect their families, properties, and communities.
What are some ways you can help your community prepare for all hazards and become more resilient to wildfire?
Communication - It is important to help your community understand how they will be notified in the event of a wildfire (or other hazard), know what actions they should take, and how to prepare for evacuation. Work with your local Office of Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, and others who may be involved during an evacuation to ensure everyone in your community knows their role and how they will communicate.
Prepare - Organize a community workday around fire preparedness. There are many local and national organizations that can assist with resident mitigation. Resident mitigation includes those actions which you can take around the home (as well as other structures) and in neighborhoods to create conditions that resist ignition or lead to low-intensity fire. Team up with neighbors to clean up yards and remove debris from around properties, including rooftops.
Plan - Make or refresh your family members’ go-bags. Or, if your go-bags are ready, make a go-bag to give to a neighbor. Create or practice your family emergency plan. Know two ways out of your neighborhood, and other locations where you and your family members spend time. Remember, you may have to evacuate from a location other than your home.
The last week in March is Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week, a time to bring awareness to wildfire preparedness. Each day brings a new opportunity to better prepare you, your family, and community for wildfire.
Throughout the week, the Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Forestry Division and our partners will share daily tips on how to best take action by preventing wildfires, preparing defensible private property, organizing and protecting communities, and learning more about wildland fire. Daily Wildfire Awareness Week messages will be shared via Forestry Division’s social media accounts, including X, Facebook, and Instagram.
To learn more about how you can prepare for wildfire visit these resources:
New Mexico Preparedness Resources - https://nmfireinfo.com/information/before-a-wildfire/
New Mexico Forestry Division - https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/
Fire Adapted Communities - https://facnm.org /
The New Mexico Forestry Division is working with the Forest Stewards Guild and FACNM, the Santa Fe, Cibola and Carson National Forests, New Mexico Coalition of Conservation Districts, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue our wildfire preparedness calendar in 2023 and share the message across multiple platforms, including social media, webinars and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.