In Zen, natural disaster is considered an inevitable result of an ever-changing universe and a reminder that impermanence is intrinsic to the nature of life on Earth. As the wildfires in California continue to show us, natural events are an unpredictable and potentially devastating fact of life in this part of the world. But that does not mean we are helpless to plan for them.
Please be assured that the potential for wildfire, earthquake and other natural events has closely been considered in the design, planning and construction of Ensō Verde and that plans will be in place to protect residents, staff, pets and property in such an event. We hope and expect that everyone who considers living or working at Ensō Verde will want to become familiar and comfortable with these preparedness plans, and we invite you to take this opportunity to review some of the planned details below.
If you have further questions about this or any other aspect of life at Ensō Verde, please don’t hesitate to ask us by calling us at 805.231.3676 or emailing us at info-verde@verde.kendal.org. In the meantime, we hope you and your friends, neighbors and family members are safe and well.
“I’ve seen firsthand how wildfires test the strength of a community and the bonds we share. The leadership team worked around the clock, establishing a 24/7 Incident Command Center to provide safety, comfort, and unwavering support…ensuring we are ready to face anything together.”– Nick Flores, Director of Marketing & Communications at Ensō Village
Fire and Natural Disaster Safety:
Ensō Verde is being built to the standards of Type 1 Construction, which means that all residential building elements must be noncombustible for the building to be classified as Type 1. These elements include the structural frame, exterior and interior bearing walls, exterior and interior non-bearing walls and partitions, and floor and roof construction. This design aids in preventing a fire from spreading throughout the building.
Fire Safety Systems:
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems:
- Smoke alarms: Ensure alarms are functioning and tested regularly
- Fire sprinklers: Install and regularly maintain sprinklers in common areas and resident rooms
- Emergency lighting: Ensure lights are working and illuminate escape routes
- Fire-rated doors: Protect from both flame and smoke penetration throughout key locations in the community
- HVAC damper systems: Close when smoke or fire is detected to prevent smoke spreading through the HVAC system
Safe Beyond Our Walls
Simi Valley has prepared a template to prepare a personalized booklet for residents to use for emergency planning. Visit www.simivalley.org/departments/police-department/emergency-services/my-emergency-plan to learn more.
Evacuation Procedures and Team Member Training
- Evacuation drills: Regular scheduled drills for staff and residents
- Clear signage: Proper exit routes will be marked with appropriate signage along with custom evacuation plans for residents with mobility or
cognitive challenges - Fire safety education: Regular fire safety training for all staff members
- Use of fire extinguishers: Staff trained on how to properly use fire extinguishers in an emergency
- Emergency response roles: Assigned specific roles for staff during a fire evacuation
“Within hours of the wildfire alert, the Ensō Village team had set up an impressive incident command center, providing timely updates, monitoring residents and pets, and arranging transportation for those who chose to leave. Their competence and compassion reassured me that I made the right decision to call this community home.”– Sharon Bard, resident at Ensō Village
Ensō Village Emergency Operations Plan
All the information shared above, and more, will align with Ensō Verde’s extensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which will be meticulously crafted to guide the team through every foreseeable occurrence, prioritizing resident safety and community preparedness. It will cover everything from risk and hazard assessments to evacuation procedures, staff coordination, and communication plans. Detailed policies will address scenarios such as extreme weather, power outages, fire, infectious diseases, and more. With rapid response guides, resource management strategies, and training protocols, the EOP will ensure seamless coordination with local authorities. This plan will be submitted for approval to the State of California Department of Social Services. The plan will be a public document, available to anyone upon request and will be created in partnership with local first responders and state agencies.
Helpful Resources
The devastation of the Los Angeles County firestorms is far reaching, impacting the hearts and minds of many across our state and nation. If you would like to help those directly affected by the fires, or are in need of assistance yourself, we hope you find the resources listed below useful at this time.
For fire victims in and around the county, national companies, local businesses, nonprofits, individuals and communities are providing resources, supplies and services for free or at discounted rates:
FREE AND DISCOUNTED FOOD
Calamigos Ranch. 26025 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu 90265
Free breakfast burritos every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Calamigos Beach Club restaurant.
Highland Park Brewery. 1220 N. Spring St., Los Angeles 90012
Free combo specials for first responders, evacuees and anyone affected by the fires.
Jewish Family Service LA’s SOVA Community Food and Resource Program
Open to anyone needing access to fresh groceries, personal care items and additional resources for individuals and families. SOVA offers kosher options. For more information on the program location and hours visit the JSFLA website.
Brothers BBQ. 3680 W. 6th St., Los Angeles 90020
A Koreatown restaurant is offering free meals to first responders and fire victims.
Westfield Century City
Has curated an online list of restaurants and stores within the mall that are offering free meals, snacks or drinks or discounted items.
FREE AND DISCOUNTED LODGING
The Hotel Association of Los Angeles
Compiled a list of hotels in the L.A. area that have rooms available and are offering special rates for fire victims.
The City of Anaheim
Compiled an online list of hotels within the city that are offering discounted rates for people displaced by the fire.
The San Diego Tourism Authority
An online list of area hotels that are offering special rates for fire victims.
Visit Santa Barbara
Created an online list of discounted lodging rates for those affected by the fire.
Discover Torrance
Created an online tool where fire victims can enter their dates of stay and number of guests to see which hotels in the Torrance area have availability for special rates.
FREE CLOTHING & SUPPLIES
Brooklyn Projects. 7427 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90046
A skateboard and clothing shop in the Fairfax district is providing free clothing, shoes and socks.
The Suay Sew Shop. 905 Mateo St., Los Angeles, 90021
Offering free clothing, water and food for fire victims until further notice.
Bobbie
An organic baby formula company is providing any parent affected by the fires with free baby formula.
Los Angeles-area YMCA locations
Offering free childcare for children of first responders, essential workers and families who have been displaced, evacuated or who have otherwise experienced loss. Some locations are closed or being closely monitored due to the fires. Check the full list here.
Petco
Offering a free locator service to families whose pets are missing as a result of the fires. If you have lost or found a pet, sign up online for Petco Love Lost.
BetterHelp
An online mental health company providing three months of therapy free for fire victims and first responders.
For those looking to assist residents affected by the Los Angeles County firestorm, there are a number of options to donate money, materials or their time:
American Red Cross
You can support the Red Cross by making a donation online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
California Fire Foundation
An online monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California, including the L.A. County area.
Canine Rescue Club
The club is looking for volunteers to offer temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the fires. You can apply by filling out an online form.
GoFundMe
Created a centralized online hub housing all verified fundraising pages related to the wildfires.
Salvation Army
Currently accepting donations through the Emergency Disaster Fund to help meet the urgent need across Southern California. Monetary donations to directly aid the region can be made online.