Saratoga evacuation seminar helps residents prepare for emergencies

"Preparedness is a shared responsibility, said Mayor Chuck Page, emphasizing that everyone needs to know what to do in case of an evacuation, whether they live in the hillsides or the flatlands. The seminar was attended by around a hundred people."

"Some residents said they were impressed by the range of knowledge these groups represented because it meant that they could find someone to answer their questions like a one-stop shop. During the course of the night, the local government agencies shared their roles in evacuations."

"Every agency reassured residents that their goal was to protect life and property. The county and state fire departments, the county sheriff's office, CHP and Saratoga officials stressed how they collaborate with each other to make sure emergency personnel can do their jobs and notify residents when evacuation is necessary."

Saratoga held an informational seminar on February 25 attended by approximately 100 residents to prepare the community for potential evacuations. Mayor Chuck Page emphasized that preparedness is a shared responsibility requiring all residents to understand evacuation procedures regardless of location. Multiple agencies including Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Management, Cal Fire, California Highway Patrol, the state department of insurance, and various nonprofits staffed resource tables. Local government agencies explained their collaborative roles in emergency response and evacuation notification. Nonprofit organizations addressed specific preparedness topics including insurance issues, pet emergency care, and community volunteer training through Saratoga CERT.

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