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Nevada County promotes 'Ready, Set, Go' preparedness and launches ZoneHaven mapping
Summary
Officials and community speakers urged residents to prepare for wildfire with defensible-space and home-hardening steps, encouraged building 'go bags' and personal networks, and introduced ZoneHaven mapping (community.zonehaven.com) to help residents identify evacuation zones and interpret CodeRED/Nixle messages.
Nevada County officials used the Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 6 to press residents to take concrete steps for wildfire season and to introduce a new mapping tool that shows neighborhood evacuation zones.
Craig Griesbach, director of the county Office of Emergency Services, and other presenters described Ready, Set, Go — a three-tiered approach that urges residents to be ready before a threat, shift to a heightened posture when fires are nearby, and evacuate when an order is issued. ‘‘Defensible space is really all about creating a buffer zone between your house and flammable vegetation,’’ one presenter said, recommending homeowners focus on the first 100 feet around structures and harden vents and decking so embers won’t ignite homes.
Speakers urged residents to assemble a 72‑hour "go bag" with food, water, medication and supplies; to plan for people with medical devices (CPAP, insulin pumps) and power needs; and to build informal networks of trusted neighbors who can check on vulnerable residents during emergencies. ‘‘Find your 5,’’ a presenter summarized — five trusted allies who can check in during a crisis.
The county also explained ZoneHaven, a web-based tool (community.zonehaven.com) that lets residents enter an address and record an assigned evacuation zone. Officials said ZoneHaven is designed to supplement, not replace, opt-in alerts such as CodeRED and Nixle; knowing a zone helps residents interpret which areas are under warning or evacuation order and whether they should leave.
Community members recounted harrowing escape stories, including eyewitness accounts of embers igniting a machine shop and long evacuations that highlighted how critical neighborhood communication can be. Ulysses Palencia of 211 described 211’s role in routing county emergency information to residents and resource centers.
County staff urged residents who need help registering for emergency alerts or who lack internet access to contact county offices, Fire Safe Council partners or 211 for assistance. The county scheduled follow-up outreach to help residents use ZoneHaven and sign up for alerts.
