May 2nd, 2020 is The National Fire Protection Association’s annual WILDFIRE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS DAY. Learn more at WildfirePrepDay.org.  While we are all doing STAY HOME STAY SAFE, here are some things we can do to be prepared and be FIREWISE.  Rake and remove pine needles and leaves from at least 5 feet around your home and outbuildings.  Cut grass and weeds in these areas.  Consider fire resistant plants for around the house, and non-combustible mulch products like crushed stone and gravel. Maintain vegetation.  Sweep pine needles and leaves from porches, and rake them from under decks, play structures, etc.  Do not store flammable materials under porches or decks.  Fully enclose the space under decks, or use 1/8” mesh to screen it in.       Inspect shingles or roof tiles, and repair those that are loose or missing, to prevent ember penetration.        Screen roof and attic vents to prevent ember entry.  Clear needles and leaves from roofs, and out of gutters.        Move wood piles, project wood, and stored propane and gas cans at least 30 feet from your home.  Ensure that your home has a clearly marked address.  Clear around address and street signs so they are clearly visible.      Locate the alternate routes out of your neighborhood and drive them with your family.  Have a predesignated meeting place for your family in case of emergency.  Create a family communication plan for emergencies.       Update your evacuation kit or go-bag.  Develop, discuss, and practice an emergency action plan with your family.  Include plans for pets and livestock.  Sign up for local emergency notifications.  Conduct an annual insurance policy check-up to adjust for local costs, codes, and new renovation.  Create or update a home inventory, and store it in a safe, separate location. 

Road Maintenance Project  #001

Mother Nature has opened a window for our Park and our roads.  Richard Shatraws, our Road Maintenance Contractor, has started Project  #001 of 2020’s Ponderosa Park Road Maintenance Program and retrieval work which has now officially been put in place. Work began today, 2/10/20, on Juniper south from Golden Pine, around to Red Cedar and down to Pine Forest.

Residents may have noticed that East Ponderosa from Pipeline to our Firehouse has had some repair work done.  This work led to the new Road Maintenance Program.  Keep in mind that this work was preliminary and will be built on as Richard becomes more familiar with our roads. He currently has in his employ a person with local knowledge and experience and will be working closely with him to see that our roads are maintained in the best way possible.

Thanks to all residents for your patience during the work while in progress.

SF

Remember to be Firewise! October through January is prime time for thinning and limbing. Now is also a great time to get a new burn permit from Rural 7 in Goldendale, since the old burn permits expired December 31st, 2018. Also, remember to get signed up for Reverse 911 for Klickitat County, and get alerts on your phone. Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

If you are NOT doing a community or individual cost share, you can still help yourself and your community.  You can submit volunteer hours on this website for hours you spend thinning, limbing, and removing brush.  Look under Data Entry Forms, and fill out a Firewise Volunteer Sheet.  Dan Lennon, our DNR Forester, says that when we find and apply for grants, showing that we are working at being Firewise will increase our chances of receiving grants, even though the hours already accumulated don't count toward the grant.  If we do get a grant, that money can be put to use for projects that make us all safer.