All of us want to be ready in case of an emergency – to protect our families and our neighbors. If you don’t have time to commit to a 16-hour CERT class, there is a modified two-hour Get Ready training session. This abbreviated version offers an overview of emergency preparedness without the hands-on training of a CERT class.

For more information about Get Ready, call us at 456-5652 or visit www.getreadyrossvalley.org.

Fire Awareness and Mitigation

The Fairfax Volunteers and neighborhood leaders on the Scenic / Tamalpais loop organized a "chipper day" in April 2009 in which area residents removed flammable brush for collection and mulching. This pilot program was conducted to assess if local residents' efforts could be effectively multiplied to reduce the risk to life and property in the event of a wildland-urban fire. The project was funded by several grants received by the Fairfax Volunteers from Fire Safe Marin and the Ross Valley Fire Protection District.  Over 30 cubic yards of brush was removed and chipped.

Due to the success of this pilot project,  Fairfax Volunteers will help to coordinate similar fuel reduction efforts in targeted high-risk Fairfax neighborhoods. This effort will be funded by a FEMA hazardous fuels reduction grant.

If you are interested in learning more about this project, or helping to organize your neighborhood, please call Fairfax Volunteer Resources Coordinator, Maria Baird, at 456-5652.

Flood Awareness

Fairfax is endowed with a temperate and moist winter climate influenced by the rain shadow of Mount Tamalpais.  As a result, Fairfax and San Anselmo Creeks are subject to rapidly rising flows when soils are saturated and urban stream advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service, placing property and life at risk.

For town residents living in creek flood zones, flood gate construction plans are available at the front desk of Town Hall and to local builders who are interested in soliciting work putting them in.

All residents should keep culverts clear and working by removing debris as it collects and blocks water flow. For residents within flood zones, or  located in areas where rapid run-off occurs, sandbags are typically available in the Fairfax Pavilion parking lot. Ross Valley Fire Department has installed real-time creek depth gauges to monitor hydrologic risk in the event of flood advisories:

San Anselmo Creek gauge / Fairfax Creek gauge