Los Angeles County officials will conduct an evacuation drill in Topanga Canyon on Saturday, including a test of emergency alert systems.
The drill, scheduled for 9 a.m., will include a test Wireless Emergency Alert sent to cell phones in Topanga Canyon zones, along with notifications through the Alert LA County system, according to county officials. They said the messages will clearly indicate the alert is only a test.
“In Topanga Canyon, emergency preparedness is a way of life —because in an emergency, every second counts,” L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement. “This drill is an important step to help Topanga residents act quickly and safely if evacuation is needed.”
Following the alert, residents can participate in a check-in from 9 a.m. to noon at King Gillette Ranch, where county staff and emergency personnel will provide information about evacuation procedures and preparedness, officials said.
“This Evacuation Drill reflects that commitment, helping residents, families, and neighbors strengthen their readiness and support one another when it matters most,” said James Grasso, president of the Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness.
Officials said residents may see emergency personnel and traffic coordination activity during the exercise, but emphasized there is no actual emergency.
Residents were encouraged to sign up for Alert LA County notifications, enable test alerts on their mobile devices and review their household emergency plans ahead of the drill.
More information and registration are available at https://alertlacounty.genasys.com/portal/en/register.