On September 11, 2026, the Woodside Fire Protection District will conduct a full-scale community evacuation exercise in Portola Valley.
Evacuation exercises have been held in the past, but it has been many years—and this exercise will be conducted on a much larger scale.
The exercise will simulate a wildfire evacuation, including an emergency alert, evacuation instructions, designated routes, and coordination among the agencies and organizations that would respond during a real emergency.
There will be no fire and no road closures. Participation is completely voluntary.
This is an opportunity to practice receiving an alert, leaving your neighborhood, following evacuation instructions, and arriving at the designated assembly area before you ever need to do it during an actual emergency.
How to participate
1. RSVP for the exercise and preparedness bag:
https://forms.gle/JVpssBJXQyzcsnmt5
2. Sign up to receive the exercise alert:
Text WFPDEvacEx to 67283
On September 11, registered participants will receive an exercise alert directing them to begin evacuating. Follow the instructions in the alert to the designated assembly area, then join us at Portola Valley Town Center for a community gathering.
You will have an opportunity to meet local fire agencies, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, utility providers, the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group, and other emergency preparedness partners.
🍦 Mister Softee will also be at the assembly area with a cool treat for participants.
Emergency preparedness bag
The first 150 Los Trancos residents to RSVP and participate will receive a free emergency preparedness bag, while supplies last. Each bag includes:
- Power bank
- Emergency blanket
- Emergency whistle
- LED headlamp
- N95 particulate mask
- Waterproof notepad and pen
This exercise will help residents become more familiar with the evacuation process while giving responding agencies an opportunity to test communications, routing, and coordination on a larger scale.
We hope you will join us, Los Trancos. Practicing now can make a real difference when it matters most.
