BY RANDALL RYTI
Chair
Los Alamos County Council
Los Alamos County has officially moved into the Ready phase of the Ready, Set, Go Program (see below). The Ready phase is to make everyone in the community aware of the dangers associated with the Cerro Pelado fire based on the current and projected conditions for fire ignition and spread.
Please sign up for the CodeRed emergency notification system (https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/B5B7BFCA53CA). This way you will get updates on this and other emergencies sent to your phone and email. Please reach out to those who might have difficulty signing up for this service to make sure everyone in the County gets the same information from the emergency and public safety professionals.
As you work to have your family prepared, County staff are working on specific plans in the event that we do need to evacuate in response to the Cerro Pelado fire. Having experienced two previous evacuations, I know that the idea that we might have to evacuate is stressful. We will make sure that the community is kept informed through regular press releases and posts to social media. Please do your part by signing up for CodeRed, viewing and amplifying official announcements, and getting your household ready.
If you have any questions or comments on this or other topics please contact me at randall.ryti@lacnm.us or the entire Council at ~CountyCouncil@lacnm.us.
Ready, Set, Go Phases
Be ready, officially announced for Los Alamos County today
Take personal responsibility to prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your property is ready to sustain the threat. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from structures. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden structures using fire-safe construction. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those staying on the property are aware of the plan of action.
Be alert
Put together a ‘go kit.’ Learn how to receive and stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, fire departments and public safety agencies. Prepare your personal wildland fire action plan.
Act early
Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources during mitigation.
On line resources
It is very important for families to stay informed using reliable sources. People can check the Los Alamos County Cerro Pelado Fire Updates page at lacnm.com/cerropelado, and find regular updates on the “Los Alamos County” Facebook page.
Fire updates are also being shared on:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8075
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2022.Cerropeladofire and
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SantafeNF.