A new study has found that evacuating the Berkeley Hills during a wildfire could take over four hours, risking lives as fast-moving fires could outpace residents fleeing in traffic. Berkeley’s Emergency Services Manager Sarah Lana warns that extreme weather conditions significantly increase fire spread. The city encourages proactive preemptive evacuations when conditions are ripe for wildfires.
The study also determined that evacuating the waterfront during a tsunami could take over two hours, urging residents to consider walking or biking instead. Approximately 89% of households plan to evacuate by car, and many families may increase traffic by picking up children. The report emphasizes the need for improved evacuation strategies, including using the Genasys Protect app for real-time information.
Evacuation times are exacerbated by individual preparedness, traffic jam effects, and school commute patterns. As officials prepare for potential disasters, they caution that without timely action, residents may find themselves trapped by unpredictable emergencies.
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