VIDEO: The largest evacuation drill in Marin County took place Saturday, preparing residents for emergencies like wildfires or earthquakes. Hundreds turned out to learn how to stay safe when every second counts.
Cars lined up in Mill Valley near the intersection of Miller Avenue and Camino Alto to simulate a traffic backup and see how a real evacuation might unfold. Organizers said it was a Bay Area first.
Local, county and state agencies partnered on a large-scale evacuation drill designed to evaluate response plans for emergencies such as wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes or floods.
“This is something that we have been preparing for since the Oakland hills fire. We know that our geography here is such that it is very similar to Oakland. So we as a community and as a city, have been trying to prepare our community members,” said Mill Valley Police Chief Rick Navarro.
Officials encouraged residents to be ready with a go-bag, enough supplies for 72 hours for both people and pets, a fully fueled or charged vehicle, and a reunification plan with family.
This yearโs Southern California wildfires, which broke out in similar terrain, served as a reminder to heed evacuation warnings immediately, know evacuation routes and plan ahead.
