Dear neighbors,

The Board of Directors and Talega Management are equally concerned about the potential of fires here and our concerns go out to those in Los Angeles who have already suffered from recent events.

With all the recent fires in Los Angeles, it is important for you to know what Talega has done and is doing to reduce the chances of a fire within our area. 

• Talega partners closely with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to ensure all common area landscape either meets or exceeds county requirements for vegetation management and fire mitigation measures. These requirements center around the maintenance of fire-resistant buffer zones to slow the spread, protect structures, and provide safe areas for firefighters. Talega is regularly inspected by the OCFA and is currently in compliance. 
  
• The Talega Maintenance Corporation also demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fire safety by hosting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training sessions throughout the year for residents. These trainings empower community members to be prepared, confident, and capable during emergencies, including wildfire events. Through CERT, TMC fosters a culture of readiness and resilience, ensuring both individual and collective safety. 

Here are some suggestions on what you can do to protect yourselves and your neighbors:

• Check your smoke detector / alarms. Are the batteries fresh or should they be replaced? Set an annual date to replace the batteries regardless of their condition.
• Sign up for “AlertOC” to receive time-sensitive emergency notifications that may require immediate lifesaving actions. AlertOC is Orange County's mass notification system. The alert can be sent to your landline phone, cell phone (voice and text) and / or email. 
• Create a “MUST TAKE” list for evacuations. This list should be prominently located for easy access. On the list include items of importance such as: 
• Medicine / eyeglasses
• Cell phone and charger 
• Pets and pet food / toys (they get scared too)
• Important documents (passport, marriage license, insurance policies, identification and bank account records)
• Money (use small bills)
• Computer and storage devices
• Create a “Disaster Kit” for your home and car. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days due to the lack of available first responders (police, fire personnel). The kit should contain:
• Water
• Some non-perishable food.
• Portable radio and spare batteries
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Other items that you feel are important
• Check your yard and remove / prune trees and shrubs so they are not in contact with your homes. Give yourself some defensible space.

These lists are not all inclusive, but they should be used to get you started. Additional resources are available at www.Ready.gov

Be prepared, Be aware and Be safe

Phil
President
Talega Maintenance Corporation