Strategic Plan (First Draft)

Greater Laguna Beach Fire Safe Council

STRATEGIC PLAN

March 19, 2002

DRAFT

VISION STATEMENT

MISSION STATEMENT

Background information

History of the Organization

Need Statement

Area Under Consideration

Introduction to the Strategic Plan

Current Situation:

Opportunities to Support Our Efforts

Challenges to Accomplishing our Goal(s)

Goal

To create a self-funded, long-term, credible organization that people turn to for information and resources regarding coastal fire safety issues.

Objectives:

Objective #1

To create high visibility programs and projects that reflect the fire safety needs of the communities in our designated area.

Activities:

1.Develop a comprehensive public relations/communications plan to disseminate information about Council’s activities

·Create public relations opportunities to ensure that Council projects are well publicized, i.e., the annual beautification award project, partnerships with local groups, etc.  Make extensive use of media, television, etc.

·Create a web site to provide up to date information on Council activities

·Create a pamphlet that describes defensible space landscaping

·Write a column in our local newspaper(s) on fire safety

·Create brochures/pamphlets, in several languages, to distribute to residents in designated areas

·Consider providing information on basic elements of constructing/remodeling homes that are fire safe, i.e., use of specific housing materials and construction issues and landscaping.

2.Provide information/resources on “How to Conduct a Fire Safety Check” for  your home and landscaped areas

3.Create an annual “Beautification Award” that features a fire-safe home –could be done during Fire Safety Week

4.Set up a table at the Farmers Market each Saturday in Laguna Beach, and explore doing this at other coastal communities

5.Identify a project such as the Mission Viejo, “Chipper” Days event that is a collaboration with the Boy Scouts.

6.Pursue additional funding through new grants for projects.

7.Consider using some of our budget funds to hire professionals to summarize data/information on low fuel/coastal plantings.  Research whether or not this information exists, i.e., Sunset Magazine, other sources.

8.Create a list of landscape specialists who can help homeowners analyze their landscaping systems to ensure maximum protection against fire, yet maintain aesthetic value/appearance.

Objective #2

To implement, within the next year, at least one project, i.e., the Red Flag Project, that benefits the community and brings visibility to the Council

Activities:

·Identify a chair and committee to pursue planning and contacts

·Check with other sources for information on effective “patrols”

·Check with local authorities about procedures, legal issues

·Recruit, train and implement patrols on a trial basis

·Solicit businesses to participate, especially along the canyon, to alert public about fire hazard conditions

·Create public awareness campaign to get everyone in the city knowledgeable about the program

·Check insurance and liability issues

Objective #3

To work collaboratively (on specific projects or information gathering) with agencies and/or other organizations that are focused on fire safety for this area.

Activities

·Identify 4-6 other organizations/agencies that are focused on similar mission.

·Contact organizations to determine potential for collaboration

·Create a master calendar of dates/locations where joint presentations could be made

Objective # 4

Determine methods to measure success or implementation of activities proposed by the Council

Activities

·Conduct a name recognition survey of Laguna residents –completed Oct 01.

·Create and implement a simple evaluation process for each project initiated by the Council

·Conduct focus groups, at the end of each program year/period to determine effectiveness of the program

·Prepare a year-end report on the successes/benefits/outcomes of the Council’s projects.