COVID, climate, and calamity

||| FROM PATRICK SHEPLER |||

There are essentially three stories on the National News networks these days: (1) COVID is coming back with a vengeance. primarily among the unvaccinated; (2) The Olympics, minus fans, plus COVID; And (3) the horrific western state Megafires. There is no doubt that wildfire danger is exponentially more challenging and deadly.

Islanders rely on partners during large-scale events. But the frequency and intensity of this year’s wildfires mean resources may not be available, if and when they are requested. My former Medical director always says, “If it’s predictable, it’s preventable.”

Try as we might, the risk can not be eliminated. But there are things that only you can do; to reduce that risk to you, your pets, and your home.

The time to start is always yesterday. But today is a good second best. Start small. Have this discussion with your family and your neighbors. If you have a homeowner’s association, include them in the conversation.

Efforts to Firewise* our community have been taken in the past. But the task never ends. The record-breaking hot days of July should be a wake-up call. To achieve the goal we need passionate champions and community effort.  The task can be broken down into manageable chunks. Safety begins at home.

Look at the link below for more information on how you can be part of the solution. Look for the seven steps to becoming a Fire Adapted Community (FAC).