July 2025 Newsletter

Hello Neighbors…

As of this writing, we still haven’t gotten into triple digits—how great is that!? But we have entered the hottest and dryest time of the year, so it’s important to review your evacuation plan and flesh out any details so you’re ready to get out if necessary. This month we give you important information and tips about evacuation preparedness.

News and Reminders…

Lost Lake Road work completed! Thanks to all of you who contributed to our fundraising in the past two years, improvements were recently completed on an 800-foot section of Lost Lake Rd. that became muddy every winter and rutted every summer. This section of the road was graded and culverts/ditches added to divert water and keep the road in better condition. This is an alternate route from Greenhorn to Hwy. 174 in case Greenhorn becomes blocked. Please remember that this is a private road and nonresidents should only use it in case of emergency—it is not a shortcut (and it’s not faster than taking Greenhorn to Brunswick to 174). Note that Lost Lake Rd. is mostly narrow and unpaved and unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles and trailers/RVs.

A few reminders of evacuation-related topics we’ve covered in the last couple of months:

Keep your go bags ready. (Note regarding prescriptions: It’s recommended that you take photos of your medication labels with your phone.)
Know your evacuation zone.
Make sure you’re signed up for CodeRed alerts.
Review your evacuation plan. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes (including “unofficial” ones that may cross neighboring properties).
Always keep your vehicle’s fuel tank at least half full (or fully charged if electric). You may be sitting in traffic if you have to evacuate.

Red Flag Warnings

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions (heat, wind, humidity, possibility of lightning) combine to produce the possibility of extreme fire behavior. While you should always be prepared during fire season, red flag days mean more heightened awareness and extra precautions.

How will you know? YubaNet, Watch Duty, KVMR and KNCO, Ready Nevada County, and other sources will provide notification of red flag warnings. Fire stations and the Rood Center will fly a red flag. And you can look for the Greenhorn Firewise Community red flag on the north side of the road near Brunswick.

If There Is a Fire in the Area…

Monitor multiple information sources as noted above under Red Flag Warnings, as well as Genasys Protect. Do not rely on social media (NextDoor, Facebook, etc.) for timely emergency information.
Understand the county’s evacuation communications and heed them. Late evacuations contribute to traffic jams and put you, your neighbors, and first responders at risk.
- Evacuation Warning: A potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with animals should leave.
- Evacuation Order: An immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
- Hi-Lo Sirens: Law enforcement will drive through evacuation ordered areas sounding the hi-lo sirens on their vehicles. DO NOT WAIT to hear this, but if you do hear it, leave immediately.
Be prepared for potential power outages due to PG&E safety shutoffs:
- Keep your garage door open with the vehicle pointed out and keep gates open.
- Have food, lighting, water, and charged batteries.
Keep pets nearby so you don’t have to find them if you need to leave.
If you have large animals, be ready to evacuate them and do so as soon as practical. The Nevada County Veterinary Disaster Response Team can assist you with planning (for livestock as well as pets). During an active emergency and if you are in an evacuation zone please call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 530-265-7880 for assistance with animal evacuations.
If you feel that you are in danger, evacuate—regardless of whether you’ve heard a warning or order. Especially if you have animals or family members who may need extra time. Leaving early increases your chance of survival.

What to Do Before and When You Leave

IF YOU HAVE TIME there are things you can do before you leave to prepare yourself and your family and increase your home’s chance of survival. Fire Safe Marin has an excellent Wildfire Evacuation Checklist that you can use when preparing to evacuate. After familiarizing yourself with it, keep a copy with your Go Bag for easy access in an emergency. (Note that the green section on notifications and information is Marin-specific, so ignore that.)

The checklist is organized by “Always,” “If Time Allows,” and “When You Leave”. Some of the topics covered are:

How to dress for evacuation.
Preparing inside the house (e.g., windows, lights, fans, etc.).
Preparing outside and in the neighborhood (e.g., get combustibles away from the house, turn off gas, connect hoses, leave ladders, etc.).
When you leave (e.g., use headlights, carpool if possible, drive carefully, etc.).
This last section also talks about what to do if you are trapped.

“Evacuated” Tag. When you leave, don’t forget to place one of these tags in a highly visible place such as a door, reflective address sign, mailbox, fence, or gate. These tags will help first responders swiftly identify which homes have been evacuated so they can focus their attention on those who still need help. The tags are free and are available at fire stations, law enforcement offices, the Rood Center, and at many community events.

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