KERN COUNTY, Calif. | September is National Preparedness Month, providing an opportunity for residents to prepare for the hazards Kern County faces throughout the year. While wildfires remain a significant threat, the Kern County Fire Department is also beginning preparations now for the potential hazards that come with the winter months.
Recent destructive flash flooding around the world serves as a reminder of the power of water and how quickly conditions can change. Kern County is no stranger to these events. Locally we have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects that flash floods can have on communities, roads, homes, and critical infrastructure.
KCFD is preparing for both. The department has maintained staffing and equipment levels necessary to respond to wildfires while also extending elevated staffing levels into the winter months in response to seasonal forecasts, including conditions associated with the developing El Niño pattern.
“Preparedness means looking beyond the emergency that is in front of us and anticipating what could come next. We remain fully prepared for wildfires while taking steps now to make sure we are ready for the challenges winter weather may bring. The goal is to be prepared before the first storm arrives, not after.” – Kern County Fire Chief Aaron Duncan
KCFD has also invested in new equipment designed to make the deployment of sandbags more efficient if they are needed to protect critical infrastructure from flooding. The department is beginning coordination and preparedness discussions with other county agencies now, allowing partners to identify potential challenges, resources, and response strategies before significant rainfall occurs.
Preparation extends beyond the fire department. Residents are encouraged to use September to evaluate their own readiness for both wildfire and winter emergencies.
KCFD recommends residents:
- Know Your Zone. Learn the evacuation zone number for your home, workplace, and other places you regularly visit. Knowing your zone before an emergency can help you understand evacuation instructions and act quickly when conditions change.
- Sign up for emergency notifications. Download the Genasys Protect app and register for emergency notifications through ReadyKern.com so you can receive important information and evacuation instructions during an emergency.
- Remain wildfire ready. Maintain defensible space, keep evacuation routes in mind, and remain prepared to evacuate if conditions require it.
- Know your flood risk. Understand whether your home, property, or normal travel routes could be affected by flooding.
- Never drive through floodwaters. Water can be deeper and moving faster than it appears, and poor road conditions may be hidden beneath the surface.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Keep water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other essential supplies available.
- Have a family emergency plan. Know how you will communicate and where you will go if you need to leave your home.
- Prepare your property. Clear drainage areas, inspect gutters and roofs, secure outdoor items, and address potential drainage problems before storms arrive.
- Stay informed. Monitor weather forecasts and official information from local emergency management and public safety agencies.
