Nevada County has introduced a new emergency preparedness tool called Zone Haven, aimed at enhancing evacuation safety and efficiency during emergencies. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their designated zones by visiting community.zonehaven.com and entering their address. This initiative is designed to complement existing alert systems like Nixle and Code Red, providing clearer information on which areas are under evacuation orders or advisories.
The county's emergency preparedness campaign, \"Ready, Set, Go,\" focuses primarily on wildfire readiness, given the region's vulnerability to such disasters. The program outlines a three-tiered approach: being prepared before an event, taking precautionary measures during heightened risk periods, and evacuating when necessary.
Local residents shared personal experiences highlighting the importance of preparedness. One resident recounted how the 49er fire, a significant historical wildfire, underscored the need for home protection measures. The Fire Safe Council has been instrumental in educating homeowners about creating defensible spaces and hardening homes against wildfires.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the importance of having backup power solutions for medical equipment during power outages, emphasizing the need for residents to plan for various emergency scenarios, including snowstorms and public safety power shutoffs. The county encourages all residents to assess their emergency supplies and ensure they are equipped to handle potential disasters effectively.