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Home My WebLink About10-05-2020 Public Safety Task Force Agenda PacketSaratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 1 of 2 SARATOGA PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE REGULAR MEETING October 5, 2020 6:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19 This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Council/Commission members, staff, and public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Ord er N‐29‐20 suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Members of the public observe and participate in the meeting by: 1. Using the Zoom website at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81239716621 or App (Webinar ID: 812 3971 6621) and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by the Chair to speak on an agenda item; OR 2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID 812 3971 6621, and pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by the Chair. The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person. As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Task Force prior to the meeting by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/taskforce prior to the start of the meeting. These emails will be provided to the members of the Task Force and will become part of the official record of the meeting. During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized to offer public comment. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disabi lity, please contact the City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 2 of 2 ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Public Safety Task Force for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the Agenda. The law generally prohibits the Public Safety Task Force from discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Public Safety Task Force schedule the item for discussion at a future meeting. AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes Recommended Action: Review and approve the draft minutes from the August 3, 2020 meeting. 2. Directional Wildfire Evacuation Signage Recommended Action: Consider the proposal for directional wildfire evacuation signage coordinated with evacuation zones. 3. City Council Final Report Recommended Action: Review and approve final report to the City Council to be presented at the City Council Regular Meeting on November 18, 2020. ADJOURNMENT CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA PACKET, & COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT I, Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the City Council was posted and available for review on October 1, 2020 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us Signed this 1st day of October 2020 at Saratoga, California. Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the City Council by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of materials distributed to the City Council concurrently with the posting of the agenda, and materials distributed to the City Council by staff after the posting of the agenda are available on the City Website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Following removal of State and local shelter in place orders these materials will be available for review in the office of the City Clerk at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California. In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. Wildfire Public Safety Task Force MEMBERSHIP NAME NOMINATED BY Bill Cooper Former Mayor Cappello Paul Hansen Vice Mayor Bernald May Lu Former Mayor Cappello Chuck Page Mayor Miller Arun Venkatachar Council Member Kumar Vacant Council Member Zhao Staff Liaison: Crystal Bothelio | 408.868.1269 | cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES – RESOLUTION 19-007 The Wildfire Public Safety Task Force serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters related to wildfire and emergency preparedness. The Task Force is charged with providing recommendations on improvements and additions to the City of Saratoga Community Wildfire Protection Plan, strategies to strengthen wildfire hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness efforts in Saratoga, and serving as community ambassadors on the topics of wildfire and emergency preparedness for a limited term, ending November 30, 2020. AGENDA PLANNER The Wildfire Public Safety Task Force holds regular meetings on the 1st Monday of even- numbered months at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall, Linda Callon Conference Room and may schedule special meetings as needed. MEETING DATE AGENDA ITEMS May 6, 2019 • Presentation on State/City Laws & Policies • Presentation on Wildfire Prevention/Preparedness & Emergency Preparedness • Nomination of Chair & Vice Chair • Review of Task Force Objectives & Proposed Task Force Work Plan • Task Force Regular Meeting Schedule May 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. Commission Recognition Dinner Saratoga Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Ave. Saratoga, CA 95070 June 3, 2019 • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Review of Community Wildfire Protection Plan • Firewise Communities • FireSafe Council Past & Future Fuel Reduction/Fuel Break Projects • Proposed Task Force Work Plan July 8, 2019 Special Meeting • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Long Range Acoustic Devices • WUI Information • Firewise Communities Wildfire Risk Assessment • Process for Creating Wildfire Foundation • Proposed Task Force Work Plan August 5, 2019 • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Building Code for Wildland Urban Interface • Santa Clara County Fire Department – Fire Prevention • Proposed Task Force Work Plan September 9, 2019 • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Proposed Task Force Work Plan October 7, 2019 • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • County Fire & City Communications • Proposed Task Force Work Plan December 2, 2019 • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Recommended City Code Changes, including Tree Ordinance • Review Task Force Work Plan February 3, 2020 • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • County Fire & City Communications • Recommended City Code Changes, including Tree Ordinance • Review Task Force Work Plan April 6, 2020 Virtual Meeting • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Mobile LRAD for Emergency Communications • FireSafe Council Funding, Dead Tree Removal Program, & Expanded Chipping • West Valley Cities Fuel Reduction Crew • Wildfire Risk Mitigation Fund • Status Update on Recommended City Code Change to Tree Removal Criteria May 4, 2020 Virtual Meeting Special Meeting • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Wildfire Risk Mitigation Fund Mobile LRAD & Visual Messaging for Emergency Communications • FireSafe Council Funding, Incentive Program, Fuel Break Projects, & Expanded Chipping June 1, 2020 Virtual Meeting • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Task Force Final Report August 3, 2020 Virtual Meeting • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention Update • Arrowhead Fire Mitigation Demonstration • Proposed Legislation • Task Force Final Report October 5, 2020 Virtual Meeting • Review/Approval of Draft Minutes • Directional Evacuation Route Signage • Task Force Final Report November 18, 2020 City Council Meeting • Commendations Recognizing Task Force Members • Presentation of Task Force Final Report Wildfire Public Safety Task Force Work Plan GOALS STRATEGIES TACTICS Implementation 1. Increase Public Awareness A. Establish and synchronize educational materials with County Fire B. Promote Firewise Communities 1) Use City and County Fire communication channels, such as postcards, banners, City Council Meeting Announcements, and wildfire workshops hosted by County Fire Complete/Ongoing. The City has collaborated with County Fire and the FireSafe Council on several communication pieces, including announcements, social media messaging, banners, and postcards. The City will continue to use its communication channels to share information. 2) Present fire preparedness/prevention information at Neighborhood Watch meetings Complete/Ongoing. Information has been shared at City hosted Neighborhood Watch events and through City Neighborhood Watch communications. The City will continue to share fire preparedness information with Neighborhood Watch groups. 3) Publicize and promote Firewise Communities, identify target communities for Firewise, and collaborate with Neighborhood Watch to promote Firewise Communities Complete/Ongoing. City started outreach on Firewise Communities and will continue to promote the program. 4) Consider purchase of a mobile LRAD for emergency communications Complete. Task Force decided not to recommend purchase of mobile LRAD at 5/4/20 meeting. 2. Reduce Wildfire Fuels A. Make funding available for fuel reduction B. Review City policies and regulations for opportunities to reduce wildfire risk 1) Asses City ordinances, including the tree ordinance, for opportunities to reduce wildfire risk Complete. Task Force finalized recommendations at 2/3/20 meeting. Task Force recommendations were adopted by the City Council. 2) Explore and consider expanding Saratoga Fire Protection District Dead Tree Program Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 3) Establish/support/expand curbside chipping/cleanup day Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 4) Expand opportunities to expand work with the FireSafe Council and chipping program Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 5) Increase annual funding for Santa Clara County FireSafe Council agreement to include free chipping day for neighborhoods that are in the process of becoming or have been certified as a Firewise Community. Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 6) Partner with West Valley Cities served by Santa Clara County Fire to proportionally fund (based on population) development of a Santa Clara County Fire Department fuel reduction crew and continue allocating in future years to provide funding for the hand crew to maintain fuel reduction projects/fuel breaks. Complete. Task Force decided not to further pursue tactic at 4/6/20 meeting. Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 1 of 4 MINUTES AUGUST 3, 2020 WILDFIRE PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE REGULAR MEETING Chair Chuck Page called the virtual Wildfire Public Safety Task Force meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and explained how the virtual meeting would be conducted. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Chuck Page, Vice Chair Paul Hansen, Members Bill Cooper, Lu, Venkatachar ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Glenda Aune spoke about the Brush Abatement Program and encouraged the Task Force to encourage compliance. Dave House spoke about his efforts to create a Firewise Community. AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes Recommended Action: Review and approve the draft minutes from the June 1, 2020 meeting. HANSEN/LU MOVED TO APPROVE THE DRAFT MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 1, 2020 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COOPER, HANSEN, LU, PAGE, VENKATACHAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 2. Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention Outreach Update Recommended Action: Receive an update on City communications related to fire preparedness and prevention, including collaborative City/County Fire efforts. Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, shared an update on City communications related to fire preparedness and prevention. Chair Chuck Page invited public comment on the item. The following people requested to speak. 3 Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 2 of 4 Glenda Aune requested additional City communication on resources available to help property owners establish defensible space, such as the names of contractors that perform this type of work. Dave House spoke about fire preparedness efforts he has implemented on his property. Chair Chuck Page proposed that the City do a direct mailing to properties in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) to communicate changes to the tree regulations, resources available through the FireSafe Council, and other wildfire preparedness efforts. 3. Arrowhead Fire Mitigation Demonstration Recommended Action: Receive an update on the Arrowhead fire mitigation effort and demonstration. Vice Chair Paul Hansen shared a presentation on the Arrowhead fire mitigation efforts and a recent demonstration performed. Chair Chuck Page invited public comment on the item. The following people requested to speak: Glenda Aune raised questions about the source of water used for water canons in the Arrowhead neighborhood. Dave House spoke about similar efforts that he has initiated. Darrell Miller spoke about roof-based sprinkler systems. 4. Proposed Legislation Recommended Action: Consider proposed State wildfire preparedness and prevention laws, including recommended City Council positions on the bills. Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item. Chair Chuck Page shared information about AB 2167 and SB 292. Chair Chuck Page invited public comment on the item. The following people requested to speak: 4 Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 3 of 4 Darrell Miller raised questions about SB 431, AB 2167, and SB 292. COOPER/HANSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT AB 2167, SB 292, AB 2178, AB 3256, AND SB 431. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COOPER, HANSEN, LU, PAGE, VENKATACHAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 5. City Council Final Report Recommended Action: Begin development of a final report out to the City Council to be presented to the City Council before the Task Force sunset in November 2020. Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager, presented the staff report. Vice Chair Paul Hansen requested that the continuation of the Task Force be the first recommendation shown under the section, Reflections & Future Recommendations. Chair Chuck Page suggested that the report include a section titled Ongoing Communications under the section, Reflections & Future Recommendations, that includes the Fire Safety Postcard. The first postcard could include available resources, recommendations to create defensible space or harden their home, and Firewise Communities. Chair Chuck Page also reiterated his opinion that the City should protect the identity of individuals who file code compliance complaints. He added that he does not think that the City should accept anonymous complaints. Vice Chair Hansen agreed. The Task Force asked staff to include language in the next draft of the report that would include a draft recommended change to the City’s Code Compliance policy to protect the identities of individuals who file code compliance complaints. Darrell Miller agreed with the recommended change to protect the identities of individuals who file code compliance complaints. He also proposed proactive enforcement of hazardous fuel requirements. The Task Force asked staff to add proactive enforcement of hazardous fuel requirements as one of the future recommendations for Council consideration. 5 Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 4 of 4 6. Review Work Plan Recommended Action: Review the adopted Task Force Work Plan. The Task Force reviewed the work plan. 7. Future Agenda Items Recommended Action: Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next and last regular Task Force meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2020. The Task Force requested the Final Report on the October 5 agenda. ADJOURNMENT HANSEN/COOPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:11 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES: COOPER, HANSEN, LU, PAGE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: VENKATACHAR. Minutes respectfully submitted: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager City of Saratoga 6 CITY OF SARATOGA Memorandum To: Public Safety Task Force From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager Date: October 5, 2020 Subject: Wildland Urban Interface Directional Wildfire Evacuation Signage At the June meeting, the Task Force discussed ingress and egress points to the City of Saratoga Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area and asked staff to work with the Santa Clara County Fire Department and Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on opportunities for directional wildfire evacuation signage. Task Force Member Cooper prepared a draft map for directional signage for the June 2020 meeting (attached). Since then he has suggested coordinating directional wildfire evacuation signage with evacuation zones used by first responders. 7 Saratoga Wildfire Evacuation Routes Proposal 8 CITY OF SARATOGA Memorandum To: Public Safety Task Force From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager Date: October 5, 2020 Subject: City Council Final Report The Task Force will sunset in November 2020, with the last regular meeting scheduled for October 5, 2020. The Task Force has been working on a final report that reflects the efforts of the Task Force and recommendations for the future since June 2020. The report will be presented at the City Council Regular Meeting on November 18, 2020. That same evening Task Force members will be recognized for their service. Attachments: - Draft City Council Final Report 9 Page 1 Wildfire Public Safety Task Force Final Report ABOUT THE WILDFIRE PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE The Wildfire Public Safety Task Force was created by the City Council in February 2019. Like the previous Public Safety Task Force, the Wildfire Public Safety Task Force was formed for a limited term ending in November 2020. The Task Force was specifically charged with providing recommendations on improvements and additions to the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, strategies to strengthen wildfire hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness, and to also serve as community ambassadors on wildfire and emergency preparedness. The Wildfire Task Force is comprised of 6 members, appointed in March 2019. The group has been holding regular meetings on the first Monday of every other month. Additionally, the Task Force held several special meetings since being formed. In total, the Task Force held 13 meetings, including both regular and special meetings. The members of the Task Force included: • Chair Chuck Page • Vice Chair Paul Hansen • Member Bill Cooper • Member May Lu • Member Arun Venkatachar • Member Michael Zhang (March 2019 – April 2020) Battalion Chief Jason Falarski with the Santa Clara County Fire Department attended the Task Force’s meetings to share his experience, perspective, and insights with the Task Force. Additionally, the Task Force has met with the County Fire Public Information Officer, City Public Information Officer, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office West Valley Patrol Division Captain, and representatives of the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. The Task Force’s first effort included preparing a proposed work plan to guide the group’s efforts before the Task Force’s November 2020 sunset. The City Council approved the Task Force’s Work Plan in October 2019. Since then, the Task Force has been working diligently to carry out the work plan. The Task Force prepared this final report to document completion of their Work Plan and share recommendations for the future. 10 Page 2 TASK FORCE WORK PLAN The goals that guided the Task Force’s work plan efforts included increasing public awareness of wildfire safety and risk, as well as reducing wildfire fuels. The Task Force has successfully completed each of the strategies and tactics identified in the work plan to achieve these two goals. Some of these require an ongoing effort, such as increasing awareness on wildfire preparedness and prevention. The Task Force’s work plan is included in the attachments. A status update on the City of Saratoga Community Wildfire Protection Plan is being prepared and will be included as an attachment to the Task Force Final Report. Some of the Task Force’s notable efforts have included: 1. City Code Changes The Task Force recommended changes to the Saratoga City Code to allow removal of a tree in the Wildland Urban Interface if the tree is within 100 feet of a structure and creates an increased wildfire risk that cannot be addressed through maintenance. The Planning Commission supported the recommendation and the code changes were adopted by the City Council in July 2020. 2. Firewise Communities Firewise Communities encourages residents to work together to prepare for wildfires and help mitigate some of the things that can lead to the spread of wildfire, such as overgrown vegetation. Some insurance providers offer discounts to homeowners in Firewise Communities. The Task Force worked with the City’s Public Information Officer and the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council to increase awareness of the program and several neighborhoods are actively working to become certified Firewise Communities. The Old Oak Way neighborhood is moving quickly to become one of the first Firewise Community in Saratoga. 3. Wildfire Evacuation Route Signage The Task Force recommended installation of Wildfire Evacuation Route signage to be placed in the Wildland Urban Interface area to help guide the public during wildfire evacuations. The Task Force asked staff to work with County Fire and the Sheriff’s Office on the signage program. Since then, staff has been working with County Fire and the She riff’s Office to determine options for permanent directional evacuation signage. 4. Dead Tree Removal Rebate Program The Task Force recommended that the City Council allocate additional funds to the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council to operate a Dead Tree Removal Rebate Program for 11 Page 3 properties in the Wildland Urban Interface. Council allocated funds for the program in the Fiscal Year 2020/21 budget. 5. City Communications The Task Force met several times with the City’s Public Information Officer and provided their thoughts on communication priorities. The City regularly shares information related to preparing for wildfires. Additionally, the City works with County Fire on messaging to ensure it is consistent and in alignment with County Fire communication priorities. Outreach efforts have resulted in messaging on defensible space, Red Flag Warnings, emergency preparedness, fire preparedness efforts of the County and City, Firewise Communities, free fire preparedness resources for Saratoga residents, and more through a variety of communication tools, including direct mail, banners, social media, and City newsletters. The City’s quarterly Public Safety Postcard mailed citywide in August 2020 was dedicated to fire preparedness messaging. It included a defensible space checklist and information about Firewise Communities, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and Red Flag Warnings. In September 2020, a postcard was mailed to all residents in the City’s Wildland Urban Interface area. The postcard was a collaboration between the City, County Fire, and the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. it included information about the Wildland Urban Interface area, the Dead Tree Removal Rebate program, new defensible space tree removal criteria in the City Code, Firewise Communities, home ignition zone inspections available through the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, Red Flag Warnings, evacuation planning, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. 6. Funding for Fuel Reduction The Task Force recommended allocation of $50,000 in the capital budget for fuel reduction projects, as well as an increase in funding for the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council to do additional fuel reduction work. The City Council allocated the funds as part of the Fiscal Year 2020/21 budget. 7. Legislation In August 2020, the Task Force presented several recommended positions on State bills related to wildfire and emergency preparedness. The City Council accepted the Task Force’s recommendations and adopted positions of support for Assembly Bill 2167, Senate Bill 292, Assembly Bill 2178, Assembly Bill 3256, and Senate Bill 431. 12 Page 4 FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS The Task Force identified several recommendations for the future to be considered by the City Council. 1. Continuation of the Task Force While the Task Force managed to work through its work plan in an 18-month period, members of the Task Force noted that there is still more work that can be done and has recommended continuation of the current Task Force. 2. Ongoing Communication One of the goals of the Task Force’s work plan was to increase public awareness of wildfire risk and safety. Consequently, many of the work plan strategies and tactics focused on community outreach and communication. The Task Force has recommended that the City continue to prioritize wildfire awareness as part of the City’s communication efforts. As part of this, the Task Force recommended sending a postcard with fire safety and prevention information to residents in the Wildland Urban Interface every 2 months during wildfire season to help educate residents and encourage them to prepare for and prevent wildfires. At the beginning of wildfire season, postcards should include information about available resources, recommendations for defensible space and home hardening, and encourage development of Firewise Communities. These postcards would be in addition to the public safety postcard the City sends to all residents 4 times per year. 3. Code Compliance Policy The City’s current Code Compliance Policy clearly states that the City makes no assurances to protect the identity of an individual reporting a code violation or complaint to the City. The Task Force felt this policy discourages residents from reporting fire-related hazards as many fear retaliation. Consequently, the Task Force recommended that the City Council revise the City’s Code Compliance Policy to protect the identity of complaining parties. Specifically, the Task Force has recommended the following change: City of Saratoga Code Compliance Policy Section II, D: D. Protections for Complaining Party Identity. Anonymous Complaints Not Guaranteed. Any person may make a complaint to the City regarding alleged code violations. With the exception of complaints regarding clear and imminent threats to public health and safety, the City shall not accept anonymous complaints. The City recognizes that some complainants may not want their names disclosed for fear of retaliation. The City considers the identity and contact information of complaining parties to be 13 Page 5 confidential as the interest in protecting the identity of an informant outweighs the necessity for disclosure. If a complaining party’s or other informant’s communications to the City need to be disclosed for any reason, the City will redact all identifying information to the fullest extent allowed by law. The City makes no assurances that the identity of the complaining party will remain confidential. For example, it may be necessary for the complaint for the complaining party to testify at an administrative hearing or in a court of law in order to effectively resolve the violation. Furthermore, it may be necessary for the City to disclose the identity or contact information of the complainant in order to respond to and comply with Public Records Act requests. 4. Wildfire Evacuation Route S ignage Like fire-preparedness related communications, the Task Force encouraged the City to prioritize wildfire evacuation route signage in the future if the program can be safely implemented. ATTACHMENTS 1. Wildfire Public Safety Task Force Work Plan 2. Community Wildfire Protection Plan Status Update (being prepared, to be added) 3. Wildfire Preparedness Postcards 14 Wildfire Public Safety Task Force Work Plan Report GOALS STRATEGIES TACTICS IMPLEMENTATION 1. Increase Public Awareness A. Establish and synchronize educational materials with County Fire B. Promote Firewise Communities 1) Use City and County Fire communication channels, such as postcards, banners, City Council Meeting Announcements, and wildfire workshops hosted by County Fire Complete/Ongoing. The City has collaborated with County Fire and the FireSafe Council on several communication pieces, including announcements, social media messaging, banners, and postcards. The City will continue to use its communication channels to share information. 2) Present fire preparedness/prevention information at Neighborhood Watch meetings Complete/Ongoing. Information has been shared at City hosted Neighborhood Watch events and through City Neighborhood Watch communications. The City will continue to share fire preparedness information with Neighborhood Watch groups. 3) Publicize and promote Firewise Communities, identify target communities for Firewise, and collaborate with Neighborhood Watch to promote Firewise Communities Complete/Ongoing. City started outreach on Firewise Communities and will continue to promote the program. 4) Consider purchase of a mobile LRAD for emergency communications Complete. Task Force decided not to recommend purchase of mobile LRAD at 5/4/20 meeting. 2. Reduce Wildfire Fuels A. Make funding available for fuel reduction B. Review City policies and regulations for opportunities to reduce wildfire risk 1) Asses City ordinances, including the tree ordinance, for opportunities to reduce wildfire risk Complete. Task Force finalized recommendations at 2/3/20 meeting. Task Force recommendations were adopted by the City Council. 2) Explore and consider expanding Saratoga Fire Protection District Dead Tree Program Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 3) Establish/support/expand curbside chipping/cleanup day Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 4) Expand opportunities to expand work with the FireSafe Council and chipping program Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 5) Increase annual funding for Santa Clara County FireSafe Council agreement to include free chipping day for neighborhoods that are in the process of becoming or have been certified as a Firewise Community. Complete. Task Force recommendation incorporated into FY 2020/21 proposed budget. 6) Partner with West Valley Cities served by Santa Clara County Fire to proportionally fund (based on population) development of a Santa Clara County Fire Department fuel reduction crew and continue allocating in future years to provide funding for the hand crew to maintain fuel reduction projects/fuel breaks. Complete. Task Force decided not to further pursue tactic at 4/6/20 meeting. 15 WILDFIRE SEASON IS COMING. ARE YOU READY? Tips to Minimize Wildfire Risk Get ready for wildfire season by removing wildfire fuels around your home and creating defensible space to serve as a buffer to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. Follow this checklist to help minimize wildfire threat: Zone 1 (within 5 feet of your home) • Clean gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles • Move any flammable material away • Block off areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent accumulating debris Zone 2 (5 to 30 feet from your home) • Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds • Trim trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from structures and other trees • Remove branches that hang over your roof Zone 3 (30 to 100 feet from your home) • Mow lawn down to a maximum height of 4 inches • Trim shrubs and trees so branches are off the ground and not touching other plants • Ensure your home can be easily accessed by emergency responders Become a Firewise Community Take action and work with your neighbors to reduce wildfire risk for the whole community. The Firewise Community designation is awarded by the National Fire Protection Association to neighborhoods who work together to prepare and protect their homes. Get started by visiting the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council at www.sccfiresafe.org CITY OF SARATOGA PUBLIC SAFETY TIPS 16 PSPS Ready On Red Flag Warning Days, PG&E may turn off your power to reduce risk of wildfire. Prepare now for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event by making sure your PG&E billing information has your current contact information to receive an alert prior to turning off power. If you qualify as a medical baseline customer, you will get extra notifications in advance of a PSPS event as well as a lower rate on your energy bill. Plan ahead, especially if you depend on powered medical devices, by informing PG&E, installing generators, and having an evacuation plan. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/PSPS for more information. Red Flag Warnings When conditions are ripe for extreme fire behavior, the United States National Weather Service will issue a Red Flag Warning. Fire stations will fly red-colored flags as a public warning to be on high alert. Avoid activities such as driving over dry grass or tossing lit cigarette butts into vegetation. On a Red Flag Warning Day, never mow or trim dry grass. Residents are also advised to be ready for the possibility of fire by preparing an emergency supply kit and relocating large animals to a safe location early. For more info, visit www.sccfd.org/rsg More Information www.saratoga.ca.us/fireCITY o f S ARATO G A CALIF O R N IA1956 s a r a toga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue • Saratoga, CA 95070 17 Wildland Urban Interface Area (WUI) The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area of Saratoga is at the greatest risk for wildfire. The WUI covers roughly half the City along the western hillsides of Saratoga. This part of the City is subject to special regulations and requirements due to the fire risk. The City works closely with Santa Clara County Fire Department and the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council to help provide information and resources to property owners in the WUI. WUI Defensible Space Tree Removal Regulations Creating and maintaining defensible space around your home can help prevent wildfire. You can now remove trees on WUI properties that are compliant with defensible space standards if the tree is within 100 feet of a structure and creates an increased wildfire risk that cannot be addressed through maintenance. Trees removed under this new rule before the end of 2020 are not subject to tree replacement requirements. For information, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/fire Dead Tree Removal Rebate Pilot Program Properties in the City’s WUI are eligible to receive a rebate of up to $1,000 per residence on a first-come, first-served basis to cover costs associated with removal of dead trees. A free permit is required before removal. For more information about the rebate program, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/fire Home Ignition Zone Inspection Need help figuring out how to create defensible space on your property? Request a Home Ignition Zone Inspection from the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council! A trained representative will walk your property with you for up to 60 minutes and share recommendations for defensible space and home hardening. For more information, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/fire Become a Firewise Community Take action and work with your neighbors to reduce wildfire risk for the whole community. The Firewise Community designation is awarded by the National Fire Protection Association to neighborhoods who work together to prepare and protect their homes. Learn more at www.saratoga.ca.us/fire CITY OF SARATOGA WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE SAFETY & WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESSCITY o f S ARATO G A CALIFO R N IA1956 s a r a toga 18 PSPS Ready On days when there is a risk for fire, PG&E may turn off your power to reduce risk of wildfire. Prepare now for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event by making sure PG&E has your current contact information so you will receive an alert before your power is turned off. If you qualify as a medical baseline customer, you can get extra notifications in advance of a PSPS event, and a lower rate on your energy bill. Plan ahead, especially if you depend on powered medical devices, by installing generators and having an evacuation plan. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/PSPS for more information. Red Flag Warnings When conditions are ripe for extreme fire behavior, the United States Weather Service will issue a Red Flag Warning. Be on high alert and avoid activities that could cause a fire, like driving over or trimming dry grass. Be ready for the possibility of a fire by relocating large animals outside of the fire risk area and preparing members of your household with medical or mobility issues to evacuate if needed. For more info, visit www.sccfd.org/rsg Evacuation Planning Before you are asked to evacuate, take time to prepare. Start by signing up for emergency notifications at alertscc.com to receive evacuation information. Then visit www.sccfd.org/rsg to learn how to create an evacuation plan for your family. More Information www.saratoga.ca.us/fireCITY o f S ARATO G A CALIF O R N IA1956 s a r a toga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue • Saratoga, CA 95070 19