February 24, 2010-In the midst of winter, and following what could have been a massive and possibly very destructive winter storm system, I felt it appropriate to address the issue of preparedness from a city standpoint as well as a citizen viewpoint.

I believe the overwhelming responsibility of a city or state is the health, safety and welfare of the citizens it serves, be it a natural or a man-made disaster.  This is why we have police and fire departments and why dollars are spent in acquiring the best qualified, trained and equipped police, fire and rescue agencies.  Our lives and property many times depends on these highly trained individuals.

We are fortunate to have access to talents that can scale mountainsides, save an individual in a swift water rescue, pluck an injured hiker from the side of a cliff by helicopter, and manage a wildfire in order to save people, property and wildlife.

We live in a unique environment as we are surrounded by mountainous high desert terrain. This is rugged country and we often times tend to forget the dangers. Being a tourist based economy, Sedona is host to thousands of guests who come from all parts of the world and may not understand our environment.  They are very much our responsibility.

I have heard some criticism due to the fact that the recent storm did not live up to the expectations.  Isn’t hindsight wonderful?   You can only plan based on information available at the time.  Mother Nature will always have her way.  And, she reserves the right to change her mind.  Sedona and the surrounding area “dodged a bullet”, but the preparations were appropriately in place. 

Now, what can we do as citizens?  I think that, first and foremost, understand where we live.  And, be prepared.  An arroyo can become a raging river in a very short time period.  I live on such a wash.  I have flood insurance and have never needed it, but it is worth every penny…just in case.

There is a very informative pamphlet regarding “myths and facts” about the National Flood Insurance Program.  For information, call 1-800-427-4661 or go on line at www.fema.gov.

We need to realize the importance of making our property firewise by keeping shrubs and trees trimmed, cleaning gutters, and maintaining a firewise perimeter around our home.  The Sedona Fire District is very willing to come inspect your property and analyze what should be done to make it safer in the event of a fire.  Now is a perfect time to have trees trim and yards cleaned up. 

Following an unusually wet winter we should have a glorious spring full of greenery and wonderful color, which could be followed by a dangerous fire season.  When the temperature hits the high 90’s, those beautiful desert flowers and green grasses can turn to highly fueled brush.  I do not believe that we can ever be too prepared.

Authored By Councilor Pud Colquitt