As California battles some of the largest wildfires in its history and braces for another extremely dangerous fire season this fall, the City of Malibu is getting ready and helping residents be more prepared with National Preparedness Month events throughout September.
“The next catastrophic wildfire is always around the corner, so we can’t let up in our efforts towards community-wide preparedness so that we can protect lives, homes and our community, and be more resilient when a fire does strike,” said Mayor Paul Grisanti. “Join the National Preparedness Month events and learn how to make a plan, gather supplies and get trained.”
All event descriptions, schedules and other information for Malibu’s National Preparedness Month will be posted on the City website at MalibuCity.org/PrepMonth.
PSPS Training for Seniors and Older Adults – September 2, 2 p.m., September 13, 6:30 p.m., September 16, 10 a.m. (virtual)
The City will provide a free virtual training for seniors 55 years and older and at-risk adults about how to prepare for and respond to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). A free back up battery is available to eligible participants who complete the training and a quiz and provide a copy of their photo ID (limit one per household, while supplies last). Register online at http://www.MalibuSafety.Eventbrite.com.
Test of Everbridge Disaster Notification System – September 7, 4:00 PM
The City will send a Citywide test message using the Everbridge Disaster Notification system which the City has been using for several years. Residents do not have to register to participate or take any special action prior to the system test. Most cell phone and landline numbers in Malibu are automatically entered into the system. If you do not receive the test message or would like to update your Everbridge contact information, please contact the Public Safety Office at PublicSafety@MalibuCity.org.
Home Wildfire Hardening Seminar – September 9, 10:30 a.m., September 23, 3:30 p.m. (virtual)
The Fire Safety Liaison will teach residents about the dangers of flying embers that can rain down on a home and property during a wildfire, a leading cause of home igniting and burning down during wildfires. If these embers land in receptive fuels or become lodged in something easily ignited on or near a house, the home may be in jeopardy of burning. There are often simple and inexpensive ways to harden a home against flying embers. Taking action ahead of time can substantially reduce the ember threat. Register online at http://www.MalibuSafety.Eventbrite.com.
Spanish Language Emergency Preparedness Training – September 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (in-person)
The City is partnering with the Malibu Foundation and the Malibu Labor Exchange to provide free Spanish language emergency preparedness training on Saturday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Malibu Labor Exchange parking lot, located at 23595 Civic Center Way, adjacent to Malibu Library. Ensuring that non-English speaking people who live or work in Malibu have access to the City’s emergency information and emergency preparedness efforts is an important part of the City’s whole-community approach to emergency planning. Trainings will include Emergency Alerting Systems, Fire Extinguisher Use, Assembling an Emergency Go-Kit, and Bleeding Control and Heat Illnesses. Attendees will receive a free emergency hand-cranked radio and a first aid kit. Register in advance at www.themalibufoundation.org/preparedness.
Firescaping Workshop – September 15, 6 p.m. (virtual)
The City is partnering with Los Angeles County Water Works District 29 and West Basin Municipal Water District to host a free, virtual firescaping workshop on Wednesday, September 15 at 6 p.m. Participants will learn landscaping and property maintenance best practices that can help protect their properties from wildfires and improve resilience while reducing water use and benefiting the environment. The workshop is specifically geared toward the Santa Monica Mountains. Register online at www.westbasin.org/firescaping.
Annual Community Fire Season Briefing – September 23, 6 p.m. (virtual)
All residents, employees, business and organization leaders, students and other Malibu community members are urged to attend the annual Community Fire Season Briefing being held virtually on Thursday, September 23 at 6 p.m. LA County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith, a Fire Behavior Analyst, will give a presentation on local Live Fuel Moisture, expected weather patterns, and what that means for fire conditions in Malibu. The meeting can be viewed live or later on-demand, and questions can be submitted in advance or during the briefing.
Register online at http://www.MalibuSafety.Eventbrite.com. Limit 100 participants. The meeting video will made available for the public to view afterwards.
Public Safety Expo – October 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (in-person)
Preparedness Month ends with the City’s annual Public Safety Expo, taking place outdoors at Malibu City Hall on Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. City Hall is located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265. At the Expo, you can attend trainings including Crisis First Aid, see presentations, ask questions, find volunteer opportunities, learn about emergency preparedness services and products, and more. Participating organizations include public safety and emergency response partner agencies, volunteer organizations and emergency services and product vendors. Register for Public Safety Expo events and classes online at http://www.MalibuSafety.Eventbrite.com.
Learn more about the City’s wildfire preparedness efforts at www.MalibuCity.org/FireSafety.
Submitted by Matt Myerhoff, Media Information Officer
