If there’s one thing Nevada County families know, it’s that wildfire season is never something to take lightly. September brings cooler mornings and pumpkin spice dreams, but it also marks the height of California’s wildfire danger. That’s why the release of the 2025 Ready, Set, Go! Handbook couldn’t come at a better time.
This free guide, created by the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES) in partnership with CAL FIRE and local agencies, is a one-stop resource for everything from preparing your home against wildfire to creating a family evacuation plan. And the best part? Every household in Nevada County will be getting a copy delivered straight to their mailbox this September.
What’s Inside
The handbook breaks wildfire preparedness down into three clear steps:
Ready:
Learn how to harden your home, clear defensible space, and reduce wildfire risk.
Set:
Sign up for CodeRED Emergency Alerts, know your evacuation zone, pack a family Go-Bag, and make plans for pets and livestock.
Go:
Understand evacuation warnings vs. orders, tips for safe evacuation, and how to get help for vulnerable family members or neighbors.
It also includes smoke readiness tips, community resources, and recovery contacts to make sure you and your loved ones are covered before, during, and after a disaster.
Download the digital version here:
2025 Ready, Set, Go! Handbook (PDF)
How to Get Your Copy
By Mail:
All Nevada County households will receive a copy this September.
Pick Up in Person:
Available at:
Eric Rood Government Center in Nevada City
Joseph Center in Truckee
Local fire districts
Libraries and Schools
Online:
Anytime at ReadyNevadaCounty
Family Safety: Turning Info Into Action
Reading the handbook is step one—living it out is step two. Here are some family-friendly ways to put this resource into action:
Go-Bag Family Night:
Let kids help pack essentials like snacks, flashlights, and favorite comfort items.
Evacuation Drill:
Practice loading up the car, choosing a meeting spot, and checking in with your “Five Allies” (trusted friends or relatives).
Home Readiness Weekend:
Dedicate one Saturday to clearing brush, cleaning gutters, and checking your emergency supplies.
These aren’t just safety measures—they’re peace of mind. And in a wildfire-prone county like ours, peace of mind is worth its weight in gold.
Wildfire preparedness isn’t just about surviving the worst-case scenario—it’s about giving your family the confidence to face it together. The Ready, Set, Go! Handbook is more than a guide; it’s a lifeline built on the lessons our community has learned the hard way.
So, grab your copy, read it through with your family, and start turning pages into plans. And remember—you don’t have to do this alone. Our Nevada County community is strongest when we prepare together.
Want more local updates, family tips, and Nevada County resources?
Subscribe so you never miss the stories and guides that matter most.
What’s your take? Drop it below!