POD Leaders

The Role of PODs

A POD is a method used to sub-divide a community into smaller, easily managed neighborhoods to help facilitate information sharing about wildfire and emergency preparedness, work parties and evacuation planning. POD Leaders are the point of contact at the street level.

A POD leader knows everyone in their POD well enough to be aware of their situation, what level of help they may need or can offer for fire and emergency preparedness or evacuation.

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Forest Lakes Firewise POD Leader Playbook

Our large Firewise community needs POD Leaders. You can help the neighbors who live next to you become safer and better prepared for wildfire and first responder support by sharing essential resources, fostering community readiness, and encouraging practical safety actions that protect lives and property. It does not need to take a lot of your time.

Key Priorities for Neighbor Engagement

1. Promote Green Reflective Address Signs

• Goal: Ensure every home displays a green reflective address sign visible from the road, day and night.

• Why: This helps emergency responders find homes quickly during a wildfire or other emergencies.

• Action: Offer info on where to obtain signs and assist neighbors in acquiring and  mounting them properly.

2. Clear Zone 0 Vegetation

• Goal: Help neighbors clear all vegetation and combustible materials within 5 feet of their home’s exterior (Zone 0). 

• Why: This critical defensible space reduces ignition risk from embers and flames.

• Action: Share guidance on safe vegetation removal, proper landscaping, and debris disposal.

3. Coordinate Volunteers and Work Parties

• Goal: Organize community work parties where neighbors help neighbors clear larger areas, maintain common spaces, and assist those who are physically unable to do the work on their own property.

• Why: Collaborative efforts increase safety, build community spirit, and ensure no one is left behind.

• Action: Schedule regular work parties, recruit volunteers, and arrange tools and resources.

4. Understand Exit Routes

• Goal: Encourage neighbors to identify and plan multiple safe evacuation routes from their homes.

• Why: Wildfire conditions can change rapidly; knowing alternate exits saves lives.

• Action: Facilitate mapping sessions, share local evacuation maps, and discuss potential hazards on routes.

5. Prepare Go Bags

• Goal: Support neighbors in assembling personalized home and car “go bags” with essentials for evacuation.

• Why: Quick access to vital items reduces stress and improves safety during evacuation.

• Action: Provide checklists, tips for packing, and examples of go bag contents.

6. Use of MURS Radios

• Goal: Ensure neighbors know how to operate MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) radios for emergency communication.

• Why: Radios enable critical communication when phone networks fail during fires.

• Action: Organize demonstrations, distribute usage guides, and help neighbors practice.

7. Communicate in Ways Your Neighbors Prefer

• Goal: Reach neighbors using their preferred communication methods—whether in person, by phone, email, text, or social media.

• Why: Effective communication builds trust, increases engagement, and ensures important wildfire safety information is received.

• Action: Ask neighbors how they prefer to stay informed and adapt your outreach accordingly.

Your Role as a POD Leader

• Be a friendly, familiar source of wildfire and safety preparedness information: Know where to find reliable, current information and share it clearly.

• Build relationships: Connect neighbors to build a strong, supportive community ready to act.

• Lead by example: Demonstrate wildfire preparedness in your own home and encourage others.

• Coordinate community efforts: Plan and run work parties to maximize collective impact.

• Communicate thoughtfully: Use the communication methods that work best for each neighbor.

• Report back: Share community feedback and concerns with the Forest Lakes Firewise Association to improve support.

Measuring Progress and Success

• Track Participation: Keep a list of neighbors engaged, volunteers, events attended, visible progress such as cleared Zone 0 areas and updated address signs.
  Very Important: Please ensure neighbors record their hours or money spent on wildfire preparedness prior to November 1st here: https://www.forestlakesfsa.org/volunteer-hours-worksheet

• Gather Feedback: Regularly ask neighbors about their concerns and awareness of evacuation plans and preparedness.

• Report Achievements: Share your successes and challenges with the Forest Lakes Firewise Association to celebrate wins and identify areas needing support.

• Adapt Strategies: Use what you learn from tracking and feedback to improve outreach and engagement efforts over time.

Promote and Support Community Events

• Check the calendar on the Forest Lakes Firewise Website.

• Use neighborhood meetings, social media groups, and door-to-door outreach.

• Collaborate with other POD leaders and  Firewise staff for training and resources.

• Stay positive and patient; change takes time, but every step counts!