With wildfire threats a yearly reality across the Sierra, the City of Portola will put its emergency response plans to the test next week with a voluntary evacuation drill designed to strengthen community preparedness before a real disaster strikes.
The exercise will take place Thursday, July 16, beginning at 10 a.m., and will focus on residents living on the south side of Portola, south of the Feather River.
City officials emphasize that the event is only a drill and that participation by residents is completely voluntary. Residents in the affected area who are signed up for the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Genasys emergency alert system will receive notifications with instructions during the exercise.
Residents on the north side of Portola, north of the Feather River, will not receive alerts and are not being asked to take any action.
The drill is intended to evaluate the city’s evacuation procedures, emergency notification systems, traffic management plans, communication between response agencies, and coordination with healthcare partners. Officials say the exercise will also help identify gaps and improvements before a real wildfire evacuation is needed.
City officials encourage residents to use the drill as an opportunity to become familiar with evacuation procedures and ensure they are signed up for emergency alerts.
Questions about the exercise can be directed to the Portola City Manager’s Office at 530-832-6800.
