Welcome to the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection's Volunteer-in-Prevention [VIP] Program. As a Volunteer-in-Prevention
volunteer, you will provide a valuable service to CDF and the residents
of your community.
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The Department Mission
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As authorized by the Public Resources, Health
and Safety, and Government Codes of California, the mission of the
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is to protect and enhance
the range, forest and watershed resources in the state in order
to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits derived
from these resources. The Department will provide comprehensive
fire protection and other related emergency services, including
protection of life and property, in state responsibility areas.
The Department will maintain cooperative fire protection contacts
and agreements where there are economic and social benefits to the
people of the state. The Department will ensure that the range,
forest and watershed resources are maintained and enhanced, balancing
economic, environmental and social benefits.
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The Volunteer-In-Prevention [VIP] Program
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On July 1, 1980, CDF formally implemented and
funded the Volunteer-in-Prevention Program. The program is designed
to improve individual citizens and public groups to reduce the occurrence
of wildland fires caused by children playing with fire, equipment
use, debris burning and arson.
Some of the activities you may choose to be involved
in include:
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- Fire Prevention Education Programs in elementary
and preschools.
- Wearing the Smokey Bear costume for programs
and special appearances.
- Staffing fair displays and exhibits.
- Patrol selected areas during high-fire danger.
- Inspect rural homes for compliance with
fire laws.
- Inspect equipment, such as chain saws and
lawn mowers, for spark arresters.
- Assist CDF in an Information Center during
large fires or other disasters.
- Provide auxiliary communications and "shadows"
for expanded incidents.
- Provide office support for VIP and Fire
Prevention programs.
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Each Ranger Unit is different and may not have
the programs listed, or they may have more. Contact your local VIP
Coordinator.
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How Often Might You Work
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Some volunteers may log as many as 400+ hours
in a year; while others may log only 2. The program is flexible
to meet your schedule and interests. Talk to your VIP Coordinator
to establish a schedule which meets your expectations and needs.
He or she will be depending on you to communicate your expectations
to match your interests with on-going activities. If you really
want to be busy, keep in touch with your VIP Coordinator. There
is always work to be done!
The program runs on a yearly cycle with the busiest
times during the school year with fire safty programs and in the
spring with public awareness programs. Except for some County Fairs,
the summer season is reserved for fire related activities such as
fire information, hazard patrols and auxiliary communications. Some
type of activity is going on year 'round. The winter months are
an excellent time to rebuild well-used displays and design and construct
new ones. This is also the time to do most of our training.
There is not a minimum or maximum number of hours
that you may donate. The 2 or 3 hours per year that one person may
work are just as important as the 400 or 500 hours that another
person may log. You set your own pace .............
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Becoming a Volunteer
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While a large percentage of volunteers are retired
persons looking for a way to remain active, age is NOT
a limiting factor in becomming a volunteer. School age children
may join through a group affiliated with the school, scouts, other
organizations or as a member of a family who is involved in volunteering.
Our VIP's come in all shapes and sizes, and from a multitude of
backgrounds. Most find the VIP program stimulating and rewarding
and remain with it for many, many years.
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A varity of paperwork is necessary to become
a volunteer and will include the following:
- Volunteer Service Agreement
- An agreement between you and the Department outlining basic
facts about the program, its policies and it conditions.
- Oath Of Allegiance
- Must be on file to receive travel reinbursement.
- Vehicle Authorization
- An authorization to use your private car on state business.
You must have liability insurance and
seat belts.
- Driver Record Check
- Because you are operating a vehicle on state business, we
require you to maintain the same driving standards as regular
employees. [You may be restricted from driving if you have
a poor record.]
- Supplemental Application
- Allows the Volunteer Coordinator to know more about you and
your skills and interests with projects.
- Parental Consent
- All minors must have one on file to participate in any of
the activities. A parent or legal guardian may sign.
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If you feel that you are interested or may want
to participate in this program, feel free to contact your local
CDF Station or Ranger Unit District Office for further information
on the program. You can find your local phone number listed under
"California, State of" in the phone book.
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CalFire's 2016 Volunteers In Prevention Website Link.
CalFire's 2016 VIP's Information PDF.
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