At a legislative hearing earlier this week that’s periodically held to evaluate California’s emergency preparedness, Nevada County’s OES Program Manager was invited to speak on behalf of rural counties in the region. Paul Cummings says he focused on the telecommunications and evacuation challenges during wildfires, especially when a Public Safety Power Shutoff is also in effect…

Cummings also discussed developing transportation for older neighbors and those with disabilities, who would be most prone to perish in a wildfire…

Cummings praised how the community demonstrated a state of readiness in the Jones Fire. But he says it also underscored the early alert difficulties when a Shutoff impacts more isolated, wooded, and vulnerable residential areas. But he also says PG and E did a better job this year, with most events covering less broad populations and not lasting as long. His testimony was heard along with senior representatives from Cal Fire, CAL OES, the president of the State Association of Counties, and Butte County’s Sheriff, among others.