Building a Resilient Subregion: Discover San Diego County’s Community Risk Reduction Program

Protecting our community from wildfires and emergencies is a top priority. San Diego County’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program offers a strategic, comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance public safety and strengthen our preparedness. Here's why every East County resident should consider participating:

🔍 What is CRR? CRR is an all-hazards, proactive approach combining six strategic pillars—Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, Emergency Response, and Empowerment—to reduce risk and build community resilience (usfa.fema.gov, sandiego.gov).

🏡 Dive Into Key Initiatives

1. Wildfire Prepared Home Program
Backed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, this program helps homeowners reduce wildfire vulnerability.

• Base Level: Class A roof, ember-resistant zones, exterior upkeep.
• Plus Level: Advanced retrofits like gutter covers, nonflammable siding, upgraded windows/doors (sandiegocounty.gov).

County Fire partners with IBHS to guide homeowners through the process and inspections.

2. California Wildfire Mitigation (Home-Hardening) Pilot
Targeted in high-risk areas like Dulzura, this initiative offers financial support for low- and moderate-income homeowners to implement defensible space and retrofits (sandiegocounty.gov).

3. Community Chipping Events
Free to residents, these events help clear brush and reduce wildfire fuel risks. Look out for local drop-off dates across the County (sandiegocounty.gov).

4. CERT Volunteers
Learn lifesaving skills—first aid, light search & rescue—and join fellow neighbors in disaster preparedness through CERT training (sandiegocounty.gov).

5. KnoxBox, Fire Inspections & Codes
CRR also covers commercial and residential fire safety measures—including KnoxBox access,  and defensible space regulations (sandiegocounty.gov).

✅ Why It Matters for Crest

• Prevention is Power: Preparing before emergencies strike drastically reduces property damage and safety risks.
• Financial Incentives: Insurance discounts, grants, and fee waivers support your investments in safety.
• Community Engagement: Programs like CERT and chipping build local solidarity and collective preparedness.
• Proactive Over Reactive: CRR focuses on reducing incident risks rather than responding afterwards—a smarter, safer model.

🛠 How to Get Involved

1. Start at the Wildfire Prepared Home website for a self-assessment.
2. Contact County Fire ([email protected] or 619‑693‑0923) to request guidance (sandiegocounty.gov).
3. Look out for Chipping Events near Crest—ideal for clearing vegetation quickly (sandiegocounty.gov).
4. Enroll in CERT training and be prepared to assist your neighbors (sandiegocounty.gov).

Visit the San Diego County Fire – Community Risk Reduction website to explore all options and start making a difference today.