Evacuation exercises planned in Sonoma Valley and Cazadero neighborhoods
The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, in partnership with community preparedness groups, will be holding two evacuation exercises in the coming weeks.
Exercises
May 22 at 9 a.m. - Diamond A and Grove Street neighborhoods of Sonoma (evacuation zone 6D1) Evacuate to: Sonoma Valley High School, 20000 Broadway in Sonoma
June 18 at 9 a.m. - Cazadero to include those on Cazadero Highway and Austin Creek Road from Highway 116 to Cazadero proper, including the Bei Road area, and those along Fort Ross Road and King Ridge Road
Evacuate to: Monte Rio Community Center, 20488 Highway 116 in Monte Rio
Residents who live in these communities are encouraged to register for the exercise at SoCoTest.org and to receive the alert at the start of the exercise. Hi-lo sirens will also be audible throughout the exercise areas to alert residents to evacuate at that time. Residents do not need to bring pets or animals with them.
“Evacuation exercises are a critical component to preparing for any disaster, especially communities throughout the county, similar to these, with limited road access” said District 4 Supervisor James Gore, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
At the evacuation meeting locations, there will be a resource fair with emergency partners providing information to prepare homes, families, and pets in the event of a real emergency. A survey of residents who participated in the evacuation exercise will conducted and help the exercise coordinators learn what worked and identify areas for improvement for future exercises.
“Residents are encouraged to participate in these exercises to practice for real emergency scenarios, they could just be life saving” said District 1 Supervisor Susan Gorin, Board of Supervisors. “For residents who are not already, please sign up for SoCoAlert to receive critical alerts and know your evacuation zone so you’re ready to go when an evacuation is issued.”
Both evacuation exercises are planned by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office, County Administrator’s Office, Transportation & Public Works, Regional Parks, and the Human Services Department. Also participating in the planning is Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, local fire councils, City of Sonoma, City of Cazadero, Halter Project, Sonoma Valley Fire, Cazadero Fire Department, Fort Ross Volunteer Fire Department, Monte Rio Fire Protection District, California Highway Patrol, and the American Red Cross.
It is important to identify official sources of information now so that during an emergency all members of the community have direct access to accurate and timely facts. Visit www.SoCoEmergency.org/Official-Information to view a list of local sources of official information.
“Every household should have a plan in place for the next disaster” District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Board of Supervisors. “Prepare to take care of family and pets, by having an emergency kit ready and talk to your neighbors so you have a plan to help and alert one another if needed.”
Register to participate in these drills and learn more about evacuation exercises at www.SoCoTest.org.
