Presenter leads wildfire evacuation preparedness exercise at board retreat

At a board retreat session, the Presenter led members through a team-building exercise titled “evacuation level 1, level 2, level 3,” asking each participant to list three actions they would take at each evacuation level. The exercise was framed as regionally relevant: “Living in the West Coast, we all have … come to understand and some experienced fire disasters,” the Presenter said, introducing Level 1 as a notice to “be prepared to evacuate. Be aware of danger in the area. Stay informed. Have your plan.”

Participants described concrete preparations: securing important documents and passwords, assembling a go-kit with medicine and pet supplies, fueling vehicles and checking tires, and establishing family rally points. One board member summarized a common Level 1 response as “get the important documents, like passwords, birth certificates, all that secured.” Members also discussed logistical choices for Level 2 (preparing transport, booking temporary lodging or camp reservations, and ensuring chargers and batteries are packed) and the emotional and tactical demands of a Level 3 order to leave immediately.

The exercise generated discussion of equity and geography: participants noted resource differences between valley areas with irrigation and greener defensible space and drier, resource-scarce zones, and reflected on how lived experience shapes readiness. The group ended the segment by sharing reflections on household roles in emergencies and next steps: the retreat moved on to a board self-evaluation after the preparedness session.