Over the last few days, the images of unimaginable devastation from the LA County fires have prompted an outpouring of inquiries from Kensington residents. Your neighbors want to prevent repeating what has happened in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Lahaina, Paradise, and other communities ravaged by wildfire and other disasters. Many residents recognize parallels these impacted communities share with Kensington in topography, population density, road configuration, hazardous vegetation fuel loading, proximity to wildland interfaces, and many other factors.

We recognize that Kensington is vulnerable to wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters. Yet, this community's greatest strength is the residents' desire to preserve the charm, the character, and the way of life so beloved by the people who live here. In pursuit of preserving and protecting this community, the Kensington Fire Protection District has many programs to promote and foster a culture of preparedness and community resilience.  

Join your neighbors in embracing a culture of preparedness and resilience to protect lives, properties, and the environment from the threat of wildfires.  

The following are ways to improve your household and communitywide preparedness:

• Stay Aware of Alerts & Warnings - Click the image to visit the registration page to receive notifications. www.kensingtonfire.org/redflag

•  Build Your Communication Toolkit  -  The best way to stay informed is by using all the available tools to receive information - Create a safety net to ensure you get the message when it matters most. Click the image below for additional information. https://www.kensingtonfire.org/communication-tools

•  Prepare Your Household by downloading the Kensington Wildfire Preparedness Workbook. Click the image to view the Kensington WIldfire Preparedness Workbook online: www.kensingtonfire.org/wildfire-preparedness-workbook.  Request a physical workbook by emailing prepare@kensingtonfire.org

• Understand and Practice Your Evacuation Plan. Every Kensington household must know and practice multiple exits from their home. Identify your Kensington Zone to start developing your evacuation plan. Click the image below to visit www.kensingtonfire.org/zone.

• Guide Your Local Government Decisions. Help shape this community's future by speaking out during meetings and sharing your experiences and concerns. Email fire@kensingtonfire.org to sign up to receive meeting agendas. Click the image below to learn other ways to get involved: https://www.kensingtonfire.org/volunteer.

• Defend Your Home & Neighbors From Wildfire  The Kensington Fire Protection District has a reimbursement grant program to help residents remove hazardous vegetation such as juniper, bamboo and more. Click the image below to learn more www.kensingtonfire.org/grant. 

• Prepare Together - Building Stronger Bonds With Neighbors.  A strong and safe community works collaboratively toward a common goal. We can help set you on the path to a stronger community by hosting a Neighborhood Emergency Preparedenss Block Party. Click the image below to read more about this program https://www.kensingtonfire.org/neighborhood-emergency-preparedness-block-party.

• Get CPR/ First Aid  Certified The El Cerrito Kensington Fire Department offers training throughout the year. This vital skill can help save a life, esepcially while waiting for first responders to arrive. Click the image below for more information https://www.kensingtonfire.org/cpr-first-aid-training

We welcome your participation in our efforts to provide the highest level of service to Kensington. We recognize and understand how overwhelming emergency preparedness can be. The Kensington Fire Protection District is openly collaborating with residents to improve safety and preparedness for all. We invite you to work with us to save lives and homes.

Your path to preparedness begins by simply emailing an introduction to Johnny Valenzuela, the Kensington Fire Protection District Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, at jvalenzuela@kensingtonfire.org.