Nevada County launches Zone Haven to enhance emergency evacuation safety

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors convened on July 8, 2025, to discuss critical emergency preparedness initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety during wildfire season. The meeting highlighted the introduction of a new tool called Zone Haven, designed to streamline evacuation processes in emergencies.

The Board emphasized the importance of residents familiarizing themselves with their designated zones by visiting community.zonehaven.com. This tool supplements existing emergency notification systems like Nixle and Code Red, providing residents with specific information about which zones are under evacuation orders or advisories. Officials stressed that knowing one's zone can significantly reduce evacuation time and enhance safety for families during emergencies.

The meeting also featured the "Ready Nevada County" campaign, which aims to educate the public on preparedness for various disasters, with a particular focus on wildfires. The campaign promotes a three-tiered approach: "Ready," "Set," and "Go." The "Ready" phase encourages residents to engage in planning and education, while the "Set" phase prepares them for potential threats, and the "Go" phase signifies the need to evacuate when necessary.

Additionally, discussions included the importance of creating defensible space around homes to mitigate wildfire risks. This involves maintaining a buffer zone of at least 100 feet between residences and flammable vegetation, as well as hardening homes with non-combustible materials and ember-resistant features.

The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement in these initiatives, underscoring that preparedness is a shared responsibility. The Board's proactive measures aim to ensure that Nevada County residents are equipped to respond effectively to wildfire threats, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all.