Los Altos’ Toyon Farm neighborhood held an emergency evacuation drill on Oct. 17 in order to prepare residents for serious emergencies.
Jeff Walker, an emergency manager with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, stressed the importance of preparation.
Walker advised all residents to utilize Santa Clara’s county wide emergency alert system, AlertSCC, to ensure that when disaster strikes, they are fully up to date on fire, flood, earthquakes or other disaster scenarios.
“If we don’t know you, how can we reach you?” Walker said.
Additionally, Walker said that it is essential that locals understand their designated evacuation zones so they can get to safety and receive help as efficiently as possible.
Volunteers, including community members and representatives from local emergency preparedness organizations, gathered at 9:30 a.m. to guide residents along the neighborhood’s evacuation route.
The drill concluded with a Q&A with representatives from local law enforcement and the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
“(The drill) is to educate people and help people remain calm and know how to get out,” said drill organizer Agnes Caulfield. “After that, they’re on their own.”
