In wildfire-prone areas, the beauty of nature often comes with serious risks. For those living in such regions, personal responsibility is not just wise it’s essential. One of the most important steps residents can take is signing up for emergency alerts. These notifications can save lives by providing real-time updates during fast-moving fire events. But that’s just the beginning.
Too often, people wait for others to tell them what to do or where to turn. But in fire country, waiting isn’t a strategy it’s a gamble. Taking the time to track down resources, learn evacuation zones, and understand local fire behavior empowers individuals and makes entire communities stronger.
At the same time, those who already have this knowledge should aim to share it openly and helpfully. It does little good to gatekeep vital information or use moments of crisis to promote political views. Fire doesn’t care about politics only preparation makes the difference.
Small communities thrive when neighbors help each other become more self-reliant. That’s the spirit of true community: offering guidance, not judgment; sharing resources, not rhetoric.
To help others prepare, I’ve compiled a list of useful fire safety tools, links, and recommendations available below and on my website (under the “links” section). Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the area, I hope it helps you take meaningful steps toward staying informed, alert, and ready.
Together, through shared knowledge and individual responsibility, we can make our community safer and stronger.
Fire Information:
Watch Duty: https://app.watchduty.org/
Rural Metro: https://www.facebook.com/RuralMetroFireJosephineCounty/
ODF Southwest Oregon: https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/
Josephine County Emergency Management: https://www.facebook.com/josephinecountyEM
– Sign Up for Citizen Alert: https://member.everbridge.net/1332612387832182/new
Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLsXSlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxMVJPSDdhUWxnY3FYRWUzAR6uIvSZe8TybMBx5S2FpZ_PoidSReTtHBxa3aRqurh7oSxZdHsTSquHG_oBuQ_aem_mcuTpp2LEJTsEMe0KLz1Zw#11/42.4393/-123.3307
Many thanks, Bill, for compiling these extremely important resources in one easy to copy & paste list!
You are very welcome. I am glad it is useful. Hopefully this will help others so they don’t have to go looking for the information. Thanks again.