Golden State Today

Governor Newsom Launches Ready.ca.gov Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

May 24, 2024

SACRAMENTO – As the unofficial start of summer approaches, Governor Gavin Newsom today launched ready.ca.gov, a new platform designed to help Californians prepare for emergencies and extreme weather. The website is part of Listos California, a state initiative that connects communities with resources before, during, and after emergencies.

During his visit to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Governor Newsom was briefed by emergency managers on the state's preparedness for summer and peak wildfire season. Discussions included progress in building forest resilience to wildfires, firefighter staffing levels, firefighting fleet readiness, and the administration’s Extreme Temperature Response Plan.

"California is prepared for summer and peak wildfire season — with a surge in firefighters and equipment, better forest management, and one of the most tried and tested emergency management systems in the world. Make sure your family is prepared too. Visit ready.ca.gov — a new resource to help keep Californians safe this weekend and all summer long," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Listos California at Cal OES continues to promote life-saving messages through various community-based tactics such as peer-to-peer phone banking efforts, in-person events, and door-to-door engagements.

In preparation for Memorial Day weekend and the summer season:

- **Extreme Heat Preparation:** Listos California has initiated its Wildfire Awareness Campaign in rural communities. Community leaders are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts and share these resources with their networks.

- **Snowmelt & Swift Water Preparedness:** State departments are promoting swift water safety due to hazardous conditions created by melting snowpacks. Water safety messages are available in multiple languages at Listos California.

- **Wildfire & Emergency Preparedness:** CAL FIRE has enhanced fire prevention efforts year-round. In 2023, there was a significant reduction in structures destroyed compared to 2022. The Ready for Wildfire initiative provides steps for homeowners to prepare against wildfires.

- **Roadway Safety:** The California Highway Patrol will initiate a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period from Friday to Monday to manage increased holiday traffic. In 2023 over Memorial Day weekend, 46 people were killed in crashes and more than 1,100 were arrested for driving under the influence.