Incline first responders learn from evacuation drill
By KOLO-TV
Evacuation calls were sent out to more than 28,000 people in the North Lake Tahoe area during an evacuation drill June . Yet, only 8,100 people were actually contacted.
According to fire officials, two main lessons were learned from the exercise. First the call only went out in English.
Second lesson was the call did not come from a 775 area code.
Perhaps we need to reactivate the “town sirens” which are still often seen on buildings or towers to audibly notify residents of a fire or problem.
They were almost fool proof, and at least got peoples attention so they could seek information.
The myriad phone messages from computerized systems, so far, have significant problems and people often just ignore their phones if they are asleep or busy.
The huge number of robo calls, political messages and unwanted advertisement, all the phone version of junk mail clearly are a factor.
Not all new technology is not effective especially at first.
Is there also an evacuation strategy or plan for residents and visitors of the area in general? I can only imagine people not being notified in time, and trying to flee based on huge flames coming through the town. It’s bad enough to get around the lake on a clear day…….. but I can only imagine what a total clusterf..ck that would be with all those people trying to figure out how to get out of town. Wow! I hope they get this dialed in before it becomes a reality……..
As we learned from previous fires (Angora, Gondola) our escape routes are very limited. Too Many people and too few roads.
Make up a to-go bag with a change of clothes, bottles of water, some food you don’t need to cook and some basic survival essentials. Blankets, A small tarp,flashlight, swiss army knife and food for our furry friends.
There is no such thing as being overprepared.OLS