Learn About Mitigation Measures At Home Improvement Stores
Protect Your Home From Future Disasters
Release Date: November 26, 2003
Release Number: 1498-38
» More Information on California Wildfires
Rebuild Safer, Stronger, Smarter
PASADENA, Calif. -- Mitigation specialists from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will show customers at Home Depot stores in San Diego County ways to rebuild safer, stronger and smarter.
People affected by recent Southern California wildfires who go to Home Depot to get materials for rebuilding can learn about mitigation techniques they can use to help reduce future damage from disastrous wildfires.
“Southern Californians who are repairing or rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by recent wildfires face many choices, and opportunities, regarding how they put the pieces of their homes and lives back together,” said Dallas Jones, OES director.
“As people repair or rebuild, it’s an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures,” said William Carwile, III, federal coordinating officer for the Southern California disaster recovery effort. “These changes can make the difference the next time wildfires strike.”
Mitigation counselors will staff each mitigation-advice session from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, and work with visitors for as long as needed.
Dates of workshops and their locations are:
| Saturday, November 29 | 1475 East Valley Parkway, Escondido |
| Sunday, November 30 | 965 Arnele Avenue, El Cajon |
| Saturday, December 6 | 1550 West Valley Parkway, Escondido |
| Sunday, December 7 | 255 Town Center Parkway, Santee |
| Saturday, December 13 | 12185 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego |
| Sunday, December 14 | 10604 Westview Parkway, San Diego |
“We know that disaster-resistant techniques work because we’ve seen examples where damage was reduced or prevented in disasters,” said Jones. “Right now, many Southern Californians have a second chance to take similar steps as they rebuild. We encourage them to implement these methods to better protect their families and homes.”
Mitigation specialists will demonstrate such mitigation measures as:
- Fireproof roofing.
- Defensible space around homes.
- Protection of eaves of home and other areas of structures that can be adversely affected by flying embers.
- How dual and triple glazed windows resist fire.
- The need for spark and ember protection for all building vents, including chimney spark arrestors.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 09-Dec-2003 12:16:00