GRANTS, NM – As the threat of wildfires looms year-round, authorities in Cibola County are ramping up efforts to educate residents on the importance of proactive fire prevention measures.
The 2024 Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round campaign, spearheaded by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division, underscores the critical need for preparedness and evacuation planning in the face of escalating wildfire risks.
The latest initiative, highlighted for February, focuses on familiarizing residents with the 'Ready, Set, Go!' protocol, a comprehensive approach to wildfire readiness.
Ready – Get Ready
Residents are urged to develop comprehensive family disaster plans, including clear meeting locations and communication strategies, and to rehearse these plans regularly. This includes preparations for the evacuation of large animals such as horses. Additionally, assembling emergency supply kits, including vital documents like birth certificates, wills, and insurance policies, is strongly advised.
Set – Be Prepared to Go
Monitoring fire weather conditions and fire status through reliable sources such as InciWeb and NM Fire Info is emphasized. Local television and radio stations should also be monitored for updates, and residents are urged to have evacuation plans in place for their families and pets. Vehicles should be equipped with necessary supplies and go-bags in readiness for potential evacuations.
Go – Act Early, Evacuate
Residents are urged not to delay in evacuating if there is a potential threat to their homes or evacuation routes. Leaving early to avoid fire, smoke, or road congestion is crucial. Authorities stress the importance of heeding evacuation orders promptly, as delaying evacuation may impede emergency services' ability to assist.
Residents are advised to head to predetermined locations in low-risk areas, such as relatives' homes, Red Cross shelters, or evacuation centers, and to identify multiple evacuation routes in case primary routes become inaccessible due to fire activity.
Authorities in Cibola County have emphasized that fire prevention is a shared responsibility and urge all residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes, families, and communities from the ever-present threat of wildfires.