The Charity
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Santa Clara County FireSafe Council
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Mobilizing the people of Santa Clara County to protect their homes, communities and environment from wildfires
Bring Light Activity
6 Donors
3 Projects since June, 2007
2 Active Projects since November, 2007
Charity Info
Based in: San Jose, California
Year founded: 2002
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Project Info
Smokey Bear has been the icon of wildfire prevention and safety for over 60 years. His image reminds people that they, alone, can prevent wildfires. SCFSC, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing wildfires in Santa Clara County has, since its incorporation in 2002, successfully utilized Smokey Bear as an integral piece of its Community Outreach and Education efforts.
SCFSC’s primary goal and mission is “mobilizing the people of Santa Clara County to protect their homes, communities and environment from wildfires,” through the creation of Defensible Space zones and through other measures such as the use of fire resistant materials and plants when landscaping and remodeling. This is directly aimed at residents living within the 14 communities which the California Fire Alliance has designated as at-risk for wildfires. (Communities-at-Risk in Santa Clara County are Cupertino, East Foothills, Gilroy, Lexington Hills, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Palo Alto, San Jose, San Martin, Saratoga and Stanford.) SCFSC’s other, parallel goal is teaching children and youth about the critically important need to exercise care when visiting parks and open spaces.
SCFSC received a grant in 2006 through the Department of Homeland Security which provided funding to conduct a Target Audience Assessment of several of the Communities-at-Risk in Santa Clara County. During this grant, we surveyed residents on their level of concern about wildfires in their communities. We also complemented that information with informal surveys which we gathered at events.
One of the key questions we asked was whether “Smokey” still resonated with the public. The answer was a resounding “yes!” Our experience at events bears this out: SCFSC volunteers report that the reaction of both children and adults to the Smokey coloring books, stickers and special Smokey Bear gift baskets we distribute at events is very positive. Adults often reminisce about Smokey Bear Public Service Announcements of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s with great fondness. Younger children enjoy learning about the “real story” of the young bear cub plucked by fire fighters from the top of a burned tree following a devastating New Mexico forest fire.
Interestingly, we discovered during the recent event that many immigrant families were unfamiliar with Smokey Bear. Our volunteers had a wonderful time introducing Smokey and his story and fire prevention message to these families.
This project will allow us to purchase more Smokey Bear fire prevention materials for our outreach programs to children. Our primary funding is from federal grants to reduce hazardous fuels to prevent wildfires. The supplemental funds will help us to help us educate children to prevent wildfires when visiting parks and open spaces. Fires are often started by teenagers and young adults and this investment in our children can yield big dividends as they mature and remember what Smokey Bear said.
The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. Our participants include state, county and city fire agencies, volunteer fire organizations, local utility companies, parks and open space organizations, city and county government representatives, neighborhood associations, and concerned individuals who share our concerns and are dedicated to the education and prevention of wildfires.
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