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About Our
Organization
Valley of the Falls Community Center, Inc. is a 501(c)3 community non-profit organization that serves the communities of Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, and Angelus Oaks, California. It owns and operates Big Falls Lodge in Forest Falls, California as the Gail D. Cox Community Center and a site for sheltering in place during emergency situations.
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Emergency Situations
in
Our Communities
Photo: Stone Cabin Photography
Wildfires
Wildfires in our mountains are a very real threat. In September 2020, the El Dorado Fire (pictured here) burned through all of our communities, causing evacuations and widespread forest devastation. Clearing branches and deadfall from around your home and creating defensible space is critical. Browse the links below for information about how to protect your home and family and find out what to do in the event of a fire.
What To Do in the Event of a Fire
Photo: Stone Cabin Photography
Floods
Our communities have a long history of catastrophic floods. Winter floods have destroyed homes, roads, and bridges many times. Summer flash floods have caused loss of life. Floods can isolate us for days, weeks, and even months. The best ways to prepare for floods are to keep a close eye on weather forecasts, know where washes and creeks are in relation to your home and have enough supplies of food, medicines, and fuel at home to sustain you for several days.
What to Do in the Event of a Flood
How to Prepare
Photo: James Dyer
Slides
The ridges surrounding our homes are steep and most feature loose shale, large boulders, and soil that shifts easily in heavy weather and earthquakes. Slides have been known to cut off roadways, isolate parts of our towns, and damage property. This includes the occasional avalanche during very snowy winters. Knowing where vulnerable areas are and what is above your home will help you to avoid threats.
What to Do in the Event of a Slide
How to Be Prepare
Snow
The beauty and hush of a snowy day in our mountains is something that we often look forward to. However, it brings concerns with it, too, when ice and significant snowfall can bring down heavy branches from the trees and electrical lines, make the road conditions treacherous, and cause stress on structures. Snow also brings lots of visitors who can sometimes create dangerous situations and clog roads. Preparation for snow should include watching forecasts, having alternate light and heat sources, and having equipment handy for clearing snow. If you are at home during a major snowstorm stay there, if you are down the hill, prepare to shelter in place.
What to Do in a Snow Emergency
Photo: Micah Kiter
Earthquakes
Our communities lie in the San Andreas Fault Zone, and in fact, the fault crosses highway 38 by the Mill Creek Ranger Station. Our proximity to the San Andreas makes us especially vulnerable, and in the event of a large earthquake, it may take some time for emergency services to reach us. Even more, large rocks and debris from the surrounding ridges can be very precarious. Know what your risks are in the event of an earthquake, and be prepared by taking the time to review the resources below.
What to Do During An Earthquake
How to Prepare
Wildlife
Sharing our lives with wildlife can be a joy. However, there are dangers inherent in living together for both people and animals in our communities. Allowing wild animals access to human food and garbage is reckless and can be deadly. Be aware of rattlesnakes around your home or while out walking in the warmer months. The links below offer education about living well with our wild neighbors.
What to Do in a Wildlife Encounter
How to Prepare
Photo: Stone Cabin Photography
Accidents & Crime
Occasionally, accidents and crime affect us in important ways. A major crash on the highway can keep us from getting home, and a few years ago a manhunt locked the entire mountain down. Living together in close community helps us care for one another, but when something goes wrong, there are resources to keep us safer and prepare for the unexpected.
What to Do in an Accident or Crime
How to Prepare
Photo: Jeff Schaefer
Get Involved -
Be Prepared!
Donate
VFCCi is funded entirely by the generosity of the communities it serves. If you would like to donate to help fund programs, events, and new initiatives in our mountain communities, simply click below. Thank you for your support!
Volunteer
Whether it's helping to organize a fun community event, serving on the board of directors, providing skills to building projects, or working as a volunteer with the children in our school, helping hands are always so appreciated. Click below and let's start working together for the good of our communities!