Peninsula Cities Launch Emergency Preparedness And Evacuation Website

PALOS VERDES, CA — The Palos Verdes Peninsula Cities banded together to launch a website to keep residents better informed and prepared in case of fire and potential evacuation in honor of Wildfire Awareness Month this month.

The "Know Your Zone" website houses Zonehaven, which is a cloud-based evacuation platform that included Peninsula-wide evacuation zone maps. The website serves as a resource for not only residents, but fire, police and other emergency service agencies and provides a single verified source if information for people who live in Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.

“It’s been 14 years since the Peninsula had a major wildfire. Knowing your zone and getting familiar with the zone map ahead of time will be critical to making sure you and your family are ready when it’s time to evacuate,” said L.A. County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Brian Bennett.

To find specific evacuation zones, residents can visit PVPReady.gov and click "Find Your Zone." During emergencies, such as wildfires or floods, the website and corresponding alerts will show which zones are under evacutaion immediately after authorities issue an order.

In addition to incident-based information, the website also provides helpful readiness resources for residents to promote preparation for disasters year-round. No account, registration or app download is necessary for the program.

Officials said residents should also know the zones of places they frequent, such as churches, schools and workplaces. Residents were urged to prepare emergency kits with essential items, medications and documents as well as keep up-to-date with plans in their zones.

“Education and knowledge are key factors for any emergency situation. Being prepared is extremely important, especially for such a serious matter," said Lomita Sheriff's Station's Chief Michael White. "You can help us and help your community by being prepared. Be proactive, get to know your zone today.”