This is the third installment of wildfire preperation tips offered in a Survival Guide supplement to the San Francisco Chronicle: Surviving a wildfire is just the first step. An important one, yes — but the danger and challenge are rarely over right away. You will need to push on for...
Thousands of people who have lost homes in the California wildfires discovered too late that their insurance coverage had not kept up with the rising cost of lumber, labor and other rebuilding materials. Talk to your insurer to make sure you have enough coverage, but for a quick reality check,...
On July 18, the Sunday Chronicle published a Survival Guide Supplement chock full of helpful tips. Here are some excerpts from one article: “Tech tools can help prepare you for disaster.” There are some free apps for your phone, numbers to text, systems to register for and technology to buy...
The Sausalito Police Department and other Marin County law enforcement agencies are now distributing free evacuation tags to be used during evacuation emergencies, such as a fast–moving wildfire. When evacuating their homes, residents are asked to display these tags in a highly visible location, such as their front door, mailbox,...
After being shaken up by the earthquake on Thursday afternoon, July 8, I was pleased to learn of a new earthquake warning app from the Southern Marin Fire District. By downloading the free MyShakeApp and adjusting phone settings, people can get a jump start, in some cases before shaking can...
KQED has gathered tips on what should be in your emergency bag during the pandemic, with advice from San Francisco’s Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT), Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign, Cal Fire, the American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Items for the pandemic: Face masks or...
With so little rainfall this autumn, fire season will last longer than usual. In response, PG&E is offering planning tips for dealing with power shutoffs and other emergencies. While some of these tips are specifically for older adults and individuals with independent living needs, others apply to everyone. Each of...
In a November 14 webinar, Martin Herzfeld of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council discussed stand-alone backup battery systems as an alternative to generators. Most of these systems can be charged by household electricity (or grid power) for those who don’t have solar panels. They can power devices and appliances during...
Although Marin is the only Bay Area county not in the state’s most restrictive purple tier risk category, MHHS has tightened local rules for higher-risk indoor activities where the virus can spread more easily. Until further notice, indoor dining at restaurants is banned and businesses are now required to conform...
The National Safety Council (NSC) website is loaded with tips for preventing, fighting and escaping fires, including the following tips on when and how to use a fire extinguisher: Always put your safety first; if you are not confident in your ability to use a fire extinguisher, get out and call...