All The Ways Malibu Has Boosted Disaster Prep And Defense Since The Woolsey Fire

MALIBU, CA — As the fourth anniversary of the deadly and destructive Woolsey Fire nears, city officials have released a roundup of the actions they've taken since November 2018 to better prepare the city for the next wildfire.

The entire city of Malibu is designated by the state as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. While fire is a natural part of the Santa Monica Mountains ecosystem — and local officials have long focused on programs to prepare for wildfires — officials say the Woolsey Fire was unprecedented in size, duration and severity, signaling a need for new and expanded disaster-preparedness programs.

Here's a rundown of actions the city has taken in the last four years, according to a recent report from officials:

• Expanded the public safety office into a full city department, which included:
  • Hiring three part-time fire safety liaisons, career firefighters who help lead preparation efforts with their expertise and liaise with the community and Los Angeles County Fire Department
  • Hiring two full time public safety specialists
  • Securing grants to pay for community preparedness training, fire hazard tree removal and other programs.
• Launched a free home wildfire hardening assessment service, where fire safety liaisons inspect residents' homes and offer checklists of how homeowners can better strengthen their properties for wildfire defense
• Conducted community emergency preparedness education and training, including first aid classes, the annual fire safety preparedness expo and training city staff on emergency operations
• Launched the Fire Hazard Tree Removal Program, a grant-funded initiative that identifies and removes dead and dying trees for free from Malibu properties that post a fire hazard
• Developed the multi-faceted Zero Power Plan, which includes:
  • Up to 10 Emergency Supplies and Information Stations to help keep residents informed and supplied if power and cell towers go down
  • Outfitting the city's emergency supplies shipping containers with satellite phone and internet capabilities
  • Working on a pilot program for an outdoor siren warning system
  • Purchasing bullhorns and flashing lights for city vehicles
  • Installing a radio repeater antenna on top of Castro Peak to greatly expand the reach of officials' handheld emergency radios
  • Acquired three more, for a total of six, changeable outdoor message signs
  • Installed 16 generators at key traffic signals to keep them operating during power outages
• Expanded the disaster notification system database with an additional 9,000 cellphone numbers. Officials say the city now has nearly every cell number in Malibu
• Gained access to the Wireless Emergency Alert System, which like Amber Alerts can be sent to cellphones based on where they're physically located
• Participate in annual multi-agency evacuation tabletop exercises with LA County Fire Department, LA County County Sheriff, CHP, LA County Public Works, Caltrans, Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Santa Monica Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff and the county supervisor's office
• Adopted a mass evacuation plan and the Countywide Zonehaven evacuation tool, maps and zones
• Developed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan focused on identifying and addressing local hazards, risks and vulnerabilities from wildfire
• Launched a Virtual Emergency Operations Center
• Contracted to have 47 Beacon Boxes custom-made and installed across the city. The boxes include printed maps and thumb drives with locations of fire hydrants, swimming pools and other important information. As of last month 30 of the boxes have been installed, officials said.
• Adopted a resolution that allows officials to more quickly remove homeless encampments on public property that are identified as fire threats during wildfire season and place residents in shelters
• Obtained grants to distribute emergency supplies backpacks to seniors
• Secured grants for free trainings on how to assess a structure for vulnerability to wildfire