Natural Disaster Preparedness
Safeguarding Our Community Together
The safety and well-being of our residents and guests is a top priority. Nestled within a picturesque yet dynamic landscape, our community must remain vigilant and prepared for natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, and power outages.
This page is your central hub for reliable information, resources, and proactive strategies to help ensure you and your loved ones are ready for any emergency.
Detailed winter preparedness information can be found HERE.
Explore our guides on disaster preparedness, learn about community emergency response efforts, and find tips to protect your home and property. Together, we can build resilience and foster a culture of readiness, keeping our mountain community strong and secure through every season.
Quick Resources
Five Easy Steps to Be Disaster Ready
- GET ALERTS
to know what to do.
- MAKE A PLAN
to protect your people.
- PACK A GO BAG
with things you need.
- BUILD A STAY BOX
for when you can't leave.
- HELP
friends and neighbors get ready.
Get Prepared Before Disaster Strikes
Here are four valuable tools to help you get ready for natural disasters and stay connected during emergencies:
To sign up for Ready Kern, Kern County's emergency notification system, please visit www.ReadyKern.com or the express sign-up page here.
This Disaster Ready Guide walks you through the steps to prepare in advance—from creating a family emergency plan to securing your home and assembling essential supplies. It's your roadmap to readiness. Click Here
The GMRS-based Radio Safety Net (RSN), a vital component of PMC's Emergency Preparedness Committee, helps ensure our community stays connected during disasters. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the central repeater, train members, and collaborate with PMC Patrol, public safety agencies, and local amateur radio groups. Click Here
Get involved today to help refine and enhance our emergency communication processes.
Community Wildfire Prep Resources & More
Click here to view the Firewise Workshop held on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Wildfire Preparedness & Safety
Primary Community Threat
Wildfire is a constant concern in mountain communities like ours. To protect lives, community, and property, it is essential for all residents and visitors to follow fire safety guidelines.
Fireworks of any kind are strictly prohibited in PMC and the surrounding forest.
Hazard Reduction Requirement & Home Hardening
Defensible space is essential for wildfire safety. According to Cal Fire, creating a defensible space acts as a vital buffer—slowing or stopping the spread of wildfires while protecting homes from radiant heat and direct flames. It also provides a safer environment for firefighters to defend your property. View CalFire to Learn More
All property owners must complete hazard reduction by June 1 each year.
- Properties are inspected by Fire Department personnel
- Violations result in a $500 citation
- Property owners have 15 days from the citation mailing date to dispute it or provide proof of correction
For detailed hazard reduction guidelines, read the Kern County Fire flyer.
Home Hardening Checklist (Wildfire Defense)
PMCPOA’s Emergency Preparedness Committee recommends the following measures:
- Roofs: Use fire-resistant materials. Keep valleys and gutters clear of debris.
- Eaves: Enclose eaves to prevent ember intrusion.
- Vents: Cover attic and other vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
- Walls: Use fire-resistant siding.
- Windows & Doors: Install dual-paned, tempered glass and seal gaps.
- Balconies & Decks: Use non-combustible materials; enclose undersides.
- Chimneys: Cover with ¼-inch non-flammable wire mesh.
- Sprinklers: Consider exterior systems and keep garden hoses connected.
Evacuation Preparedness
- Medications, important documents, and photos
- Valuables, clothing, and toiletries
- Pet supplies
- Evacuation map with at least two routes
Practice your escape route and store critical papers in a fireproof safe.
- Load checklist items into your vehicle
- Park facing outward; keep keys handy and fuel tank full
- Gather pets and livestock
- Move flammable items away from structures
- Wear protective clothing
- Leave lights on; close windows; turn off air conditioning
Follow all instructions from law enforcement and emergency personnel. You may be directed to assembly areas or safe locations.
- In Your Vehicle: Park in a cleared area, close windows, cover yourself with a blanket, and call 911.
- On Foot: Lie face down in a ditch or depression, cover up, and call 911.
- In Your Home: Stay inside, close doors and windows, fill sinks and tubs with water, and call 911.
Check for fires on your roof, under decks, in the attic, and around the yard. Avoid downed power lines and inspect propane systems before use.
Fire officials will determine when it is safe to return. Carefully inspect your property for hidden embers or smoldering fires.
