The Emergency Preparedness Commission and Firewise program reported progress Monday on neighborhood wildfire preparedness, volunteer training and emergency planning, including submission of a CPOD (Commodity Points of Distribution) plan to the council and a substantial increase in Firewise-certified neighborhoods.

Commissioners said the CPOD plan — intended to guide mass distribution of water and other supplies after a major incident — has been completed and submitted to the council. “A CPOD is required by federal law,” the commission noted while describing the plan’s focus on water distribution for large earthquakes and other events that could disrupt supply systems.

Firewise leaders reported that Lafayette now has 30 fully recognized Firewise neighborhoods, the largest neighborhood ranges from 8 homes to 295 homes, and Burton Valley (when approved) would cover about 950 homes. Eight neighborhoods were newly approved in the last 12 months and four more applications are expected to be approved by year-end. Firewise leaders said they will use an interactive map on the city website and a Google group to coordinate leaders across neighborhoods and to target outreach in higher-risk areas near the reservoir and northern sections of Reliez Valley.

The commission also described a residents’ wildfire-preparedness guide that has been printed in past cycles and is scheduled for update. The last printing cost roughly $15,000 (Lafayette’s share about $6,700); commissioners estimated the next printing and mailing across three jurisdictions will total about $19,000–$20,000 and will also be posted digitally on the city website.

Commissioners highlighted other preparations including a hydrant-survey project (reflectors added to about 50 locations and ~20 private-road locations), coordinated EOC training and volunteer CPR and preparedness courses. They also discussed coordination with Contra Costa Fire on a pilot volunteer ambassador program and the role of Firewise designation in insurance discounts; a commission speaker said California law requires admitted carriers to offer a discount to Firewise neighborhoods, with the California Fair Plan sometimes offering about a 10% discount.

Council members praised the commissions’ outreach and noted wildfire preparedness remains a top priority for the council. The commission asked the council to accept the CPOD and continue to support Firewise outreach efforts; staff indicated the CPOD had been submitted and is available for council action.

Provenance: The emergency-preparedness and Firewise discussion appears in the transcript beginning at SEG 540 (commission report) and continuing through the Firewise presentation and council discussion.