Sonoma County Holds First Community Evacuation Drill

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Sirens blared at 8 a.m. sharp Saturday, Aug .24, signaling to Cavedale-Trinity residents in the hills above Sonoma that a community-wide evacuation drill — the county's first— was underway. With thousands still rebuilding from the 2017 firestorm, county government officials are identifying high-priority areas in unincorporated areas for evacuation planning and drills.

Residents of the Cavedale-Trinity neighborhood were notified ahead of time and encouraged to participate.

In addition to officials with the county's Department of Emergency Management, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, Sonoma Valley Fire & Rescue Authority, Cal Fire and CHP-Napa were on hand for the drill as residents practiced evacuating their homes and driving through suggested evacuation routes.

The American Red Cross distributed information and answered questions on disaster preparedness at assembly sites including Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma.

"From the challenges we faced during the catastrophic fires of 2017, we have learned how to better prepare for a disaster, and are asking Sonoma County residents to get involved," said Chris Godley, director of the county's Emergency Management Department. "Preparedness only works if everyone participates – the County is committed to using every tool in our toolbox to deliver an emergency alert. Residents can do their part by being in contact with each other, signing up for SoCoAlert and practicing their evacuation routes."

The county's Department of Emergency Management will work with other communities identified as high-priority to coordinate evacuation exercises, according to a news release. The high-priority areas face a higher threat due to a number of variables, such as thick vegetation and limited access.

Sonoma Ready Day

Saturday's drill was held in advance of Sonoma Ready Day, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Saralee & Richard’s Barn. The event will include emergency resources, demonstrations, short lectures, emergency vehicle displays and tools to educate and empower community members to withstand and recover from emergencies.

Admission and parking are free and there will be food trucks on-site for food purchases as well as activities for kids.

Also on Sonoma Ready Day, thanks to a $100,000 donation from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, 2,400 emergency preparedness kits will be given out. Each kit is designed to provide two people with essential emergency supplies for three days (72 hours), which is how long FEMA estimates people may be without basic services, or how long it can take emergency first responders to reach some people, during a disaster.

"Disaster preparedness is a cause that resonates deeply with FIGR’s Chairman Greg Sarris, hence why the tribe has donated $100,000 to Sonoma County to offer 2,400 emergency kits," according to a news release.

During the firestorm of October 2017, FIGR served as an evacuation center and offered 200 casino rooms for evacuees at no charge. FIGR also donated more than $1 million to fire relief efforts, according to the news release.

Supplies in the emergency kit are stored inside a red nylon backpack with five compartments and include emergency food and water, a first-aid kit and a hand-squeeze LED flashlight that does not require batteries. The food and water have a 5-year shelf life and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Transport Authority. The emergency food is also safe for vegetarians, contains no nuts, and is also Kosher.

The all-purpose backpack emergency kit is suitable for use in emergency situations including: earthquakes, tornadoes, winter storms, thunderstorms, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and extreme heat and cold.

As for the county's first evacuation simulation Saturday, residents of at least 24 homes participated, according to Godley.

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair David Rabbitt said the exercise was an example of the "new culture of preparedness in Sonoma County."

"The neighbors worked with emergency managers to coordinate a drill that can result in faster and safer evacuations," Rabbitt said. "Sonoma County is equipped to prevent and react to a major wildfire. We are recovering and rebuilding while staying vigilant and preparing for any disaster that may come our way."