FREMONT — PG&E has communicated the importance of preparing for the upcoming wildfire season through direct communications to customers, advertising and media channels people know and trust.
Those familiar channels include multicultural newspapers, news websites, television and radio stations.
That’s why PG&E recently played hosts to 20 multicultural media representatives during an event at the company’s facilities in Fremont.
Attendees listened to and interviewed personnel from the American Red Cross, California Office of Emergency Services, Diablo Firesafe Council and PG&E. In addition, PG&E representatives were present to educate the multicultural media on being safe around gas and electrical lines.
All parties appreciated the opportunity to educate segments of the community that may not understand the importance of being prepared for wildfires.
“It’s important for the Red Cross to communicate with a variety of audiences, particularly those whose native language isn’t English,” said Red Cross Public Affairs Officer Larry Dietz. “PG&E was kind enough to assemble these reporters in one spot.”
“The opportunity to come and meet with this variety of non-traditional media, I jumped at the chance,” said Diablo Firesafe Council Executive Coordinator Cheryl Miller. “Folks living in our hills speak all sorts of languages and come from a variety of cultures. The media helps us reach this audience.”
“It’s really important to reach every single audience,” said PG&E Director of the Community Wildfire Safety Program Matthew Pender, “through any avenue, channel or tool. We need all of our customers to understand the seriousness of the wildfire situation in California and what they can do to prepare for it.”