Santa Rosa, California — A recent report from a local jury has prompted a reevaluation of emergency preparedness in Sonoma County, advocating for proactive measures that focus on solutions manageable within the county. The jury’s recommendations advocate for developing designated emergency shelters and training qualified personnel to direct traffic during evacuations, steering clear of large-scale road projects that entail significant funding and oversight.
Joan Broughton, a resident of the Brooks Creek community, recalls the confusion and stress during the 2019 Kincade Fire evacuation. Finding it difficult to know where to go, she ended up navigating through congested routes until she reached a friend’s home. “It was more a question of just mass confusion,” Broughton reflected, noting the absence of traffic direction during that critical time.
In light of her experiences, Broughton has initiated efforts to organize her neighbors, many of whom are elderly, to better prepare for future evacuations. She emphasized the difficulty in disseminating information due to the reliance on cellphones and computer alerts, which many residents do not use regularly. During the Kincade Fire, news of evacuation orders reached her community mainly through word of mouth.
The challenges in rural areas extend beyond technology. Many residents lack reliable cellphone and internet service, leading the jury to recommend improved emergency communication measures, including enhanced radio broadcasts. Board Chair Lynda Hopkins highlighted the ongoing struggle with private telecommunications companies when it comes to providing services in remote regions, a concern that has persisted as wildfire risks continue to escalate across California.
Hopkins recalled a previous emergency drill where an alert failed to reach local firefighters, underscoring gaps in the current emergency alert system. “We’ve invested in alternative communication methods like ham radios,” she stated, acknowledging the importance of continuous testing and adaptation of emergency protocols.
Johannes Hoevertsz, the county’s public infrastructure director, recognized the need for better collaboration among various emergency response departments. He noted that improved communication is a crucial step identified by the jury, as the county works to expand its radio network, which still has coverage gaps.
Despite the challenges, Hoevertsz noted that Sonoma County has made progress since 2017 in enhancing its emergency infrastructure. He echoed the jury’s call for more thorough planning, emphasizing the importance of identifying evacuation shelters in advance and developing comprehensive neighborhood maps.
The report juxtaposed the proactive emergency strategies employed by Santa Rosa with the more reactive approach taken by Sonoma County. It pointed out that Santa Rosa has established detailed evacuation plans that include systems for controlling traffic signals and designated shelter signage, while Sonoma County’s current plan largely depends on ad hoc responses to crises.
Andy Cohen, one of the jurors, remarked on the notable contrast between the two regions, highlighting Santa Rosa’s effectiveness in emergency management. Meanwhile, the county’s emergency management department, led by Jeff DuVall, is currently reviewing the jury’s findings and is expected to provide a comprehensive response.
Community members, like Bean Anderson from Sonoma Valley, have urged the county to analyze how ongoing housing developments may affect emergency traffic scenarios. Anderson expressed concern that the report overlooks this critical aspect, emphasizing that the county’s lack of investment in emergency tools leaves questions about evacuation challenges unanswered.
The recommendations from the grand jury emphasize the need for a shift in the county’s approach to emergency preparedness, urging officials to invest in strategies that facilitate clearer communication and more effective resource management during disasters.
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