Getting Started

  • Introduce yourself to your neighbors, if you don’t already know them. Write an email or letter telling them you're the Neighborhood Ambassador (see sample). Ask them to share any questions or concerns with you. Alternatively, knock on doors to connect with neighbors.

  • Gather names and contact information for your neighbors. Create an email list, Google Group, WhatsApp or Slack group.

  • See if any additional neighbors would be interested in getting involved.  

  • Encourage your neighbors to sign up for the OFSC email list if they aren’t already receiving OFSC emails.

  • Share print materials from the OFSC to inform neighbors. (These may include the OFSC evacuation brochure, California Fire Safe Council home hardening and defensible space brochures, Listos California Disaster Ready brochure, and more.) We can provide you with what you need.

  • Share the OFSC website for additional information, PDFs, and other materials.

  • Share information on the impacts of living in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone on home insurance and home resale value (United Policyholders’ Wildfire Risk Reduction and Asset Protection (WRAP) initiative is a great resource).

Ideas for Engaging Your Neighbors

Engaging your neighbors is key to success. Here are some ideas.

  • Do you walk your dog regularly and chat with the people you meet?

  • Do you have any existing neighborhood-specific events and activities, such as a community barbecue or yard sale that you can leverage for distributing wildfire preparedness information? If not, can you create any?

  • Are you an HOA board member with access to the database of residents’ contact information? Or can you work with your HOA board or management company to share information throughout your neighborhood?

  • Consider printing out flyers and distributing them door to door, if feasible, when there is something important to communicate with your neighbors.

  • Alternatively create an email list, Google Group or WhatsApp group to share information.

  • When a new neighbor moves in, introduce yourself as the Neighborhood Ambassador and explain that most of Olivenhain is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, which requires vigilance from community members. Describe your role as a resource to them with respect to wildfire preparedness and prevention.

  • Plan regular neighborhood meetings to discuss issues and concerns related to wildfire and collectively address some of them. These meetings can include guest speakers on relevant topics, such as the Zone 0 law and what it means for homeowners in the wildland-urban interface (or WUI).

  • You can also work with your neighbors to organize a neighborhood cleanup day or chipping event.

  • Keep your messaging friendly and positive.

  • Work with Realtors to spread the word about the Ambassador program to new neighbors moving into the neighborhood.