Tiburon neighborhood walk, barbecue evolving into disaster-preparedness day

Tiburon’s loose pitch for a neighborhood walk and community barbecue in October has quickly morphed into an evacuation drill and disaster-safety fair, as residents volunteering to plan and organize the event pressed for a focus on emergency preparedness.

More than half a dozen residents took part in an Aug. 24 brainstorming session that was open to anyone willing to help. The initial idea, put forward earlier this month by Councilmember Alice Fredericks and Tiburon Peninsula Emergency Services Coordinator Laurie Nilsen, was proposed as a casual event to encourage residents to get the lay of the land in their neighborhoods and all the possible evacuation routes they can use in an emergency while they meet and talk to their neighbors, followed by a community lunch at McKegney Green.

While some volunteers were warm to that idea, others — including resident Julie Candelon, who said she’s experienced an evacuation herself — stressed the need to emphasize the element of disaster preparedness at what will be the height of the fire season. The volunteers said they hope residents can learn possible routes and practice evacuating by walking, cycling or driving down to McKegney for the barbecue, with booths set up there to learn more about important emergency-preparedness measures.

Volunteers suggested the fair offer information from the federal Community Emergency Response Team program, CPR demonstrations, examples of go-bags, demonstrations on how to turn off gas and water and something for the kids, such as a fire-truck display and activities like cornhole.

NEXT MEETING: The next planning meeting is slated for 11 this morning, Aug. 31, by Zoom teleconference; volunteers interested in planning and organizing may participate using meeting ID 841-0055-3392 and passcode 979279 or by calling 669-444-9171 and entering the ID and passcode when prompted.

For the complete story, pick up this week's edition of The Ark on newsstands or SUBSCRIBE NOW for home delivery and our e-edition.