Winter 2024

FIREWISE CERTIFICATION UPDATE:

The annual project that can lower your premiums on fire insurance!

This year, we’ve continued our collective, ongoing effort to maintain defensible space and strengthen our homes against fire risk. Together, our neighborhood contributed over $693,000 in in-kind work and expenses—an incredible testament to our commitment to safety and resilience.

A big thank you to everyone who submitted their worksheets for 2024! If you missed the October 31st deadline, don’t worry—you can include your 2024 data on next year’s worksheet. We’ll send out a reminder when it’s time!

Firewise Certification Renewed!

Thanks to your hard work, our Firewise USA certification has been renewed through 2025! This recognition highlights our ongoing dedication to reducing fire risk and fostering a safer community.

Download the certificate by clicking the button below.

Why Certification Matters:

• Insurance Savings: Some insurance companies offer a discount on your premium for living in a Firewise-certified neighborhood. Share our certificate with your insurance broker to see if you qualify.
• Community Impact: Your efforts don’t just help your property—they strengthen our neighborhood as a whole, making it safer for everyone.

Quick Note: The top of the 2025 certificate lists “2024,” but don’t worry—the final sentence confirms our good standing throughout the 2025 calendar year.

WINTER PREPAREDNESS: 

Be Ready for Anything!

Despite the great weather we've been enjoying, we don't have to tell you that winter weather coming soon around here can bring a whole set of its own challenges, from power outages to tricky, adverse, or full-on impassible road conditions.

To help you stay safe and prepared, the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services has shared some essential tips for handling winter emergencies. Take a moment to review their recommendations by clicking the button below.

GENERATORS: 

Comfort Meets Safety

Generators can be a lifesaver during power outages, keeping our homes running smoothly and making us comfortable when the grid goes down in a storm or when we have Public Safety Power Shutoffs. 

However, safety is key when using them, because generators lead to 4500 ER visits and 68 deaths a year--and we don't want one of those to be YOURS!

So please take a moment to review these critical safety tips to ensure your generator use is both effective and safe. Just click the buttons!

Stay safe and prepared while enjoying the comfort your generator provides!

BURNING YARD WASTE:

Safely, Thoughtfully, Neighborly

If you're burning brush piles, please be mindful of your neighbors—especially since many in our community are older and may have compromised lungs. 

Smoke from burning yard waste doesn’t just linger; it contains pollutants that affect everyone’s air quality. Let’s all do our part to minimize smoke and its impact on our health.

Here’s how you can burn responsibly:

• Keep Your Piles Dry: Cover your brush piles to protect them from rain. Dry material burns cleaner, producing less smoke and fewer pollutants.
• Check Before You Burn: Always verify it’s a permissive burn day by visiting My Air District (click the button below) or by calling (530) 274-7928.
• Get a Burn Permit: If you need a permit, get one at the link below.

FREE RESOURCES:

Use Fire Safely with Prescribed Fire & Pile Burns

Using fire as a tool to reduce fuel loads is a time-tested and effective method for wildfire prevention.

To help you learn how to use this powerful tool safely and responsibly, the Nevada County Resource Conservation District offers a variety of excellent workshops and online courses—and most of them are free!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced "burner" looking to enhance your skills, these resources can empower you to make a meaningful contribution to fire safety in our community.

Explore upcoming classes and gain the knowledge you need to conduct prescribed burns and pile burns safely by clicking the button below.