Neighborhood Response Groups
Bob Hemstock 
When we started recruiting Block Captains in late February 2020, little did we know that we would shortly go into pandemic shut-down. Suddenly, all our advice about meeting your neighbors, having block parties and making connections was no longer appropriate. Despite these challenging times, Tam Valley now has a Block Captain corps of almost 85 … Read more
Scientists study ways to stop windborne embers from sowing destruction. BY JEREMY BERLIN PUBLISHED OCTOBER 13, 2020 FOR DAN O’MEARA, it was a routine sweep. An engine company from the Fresno Fire Department had just put out a neighborhood fire, and O’Meara’s team was assigned to make sure everything was extinguished. It seemed to be—till they happened to … Read more
By Courtney Gaiman, Scott Valley NRG Steering Committee With over 28 years of public safety experience, Tom Welch has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fire safety and prevention. Deputy Fire Chief Welch serves as Chief of Operations and Training Chief for the Mill Valley Fire Department. He has been hailed as a … Read more
COVID-19 has placed restrictions on many social interactions, including visits to neighbors. As part of the new NRG (Neighborhood Response Group) program in Mill Valley, neighborhoods are organizing for safety and community building. Block Captains are the heart of the program, as residents step up to look after 15-20 nearby homes in the event of … Read more
In order for Block Captains to radio their reports to the NRG Command Posts, the reception within each NRG must be tested. In late March, three NRG volunteers tested their Midland radios (aka walkie-talkies), ensuring receptivity across the entire Alto-Sutton NRG area. Complying with social distancing, one member stayed at a central spot, the MARS … Read more
A presentation by Captain Cindy Machado, CAWA Director of Animal Services at Marin Humane
Block Captains (BCs) are the heart of this program and are a crucial link between the NRG and the individual residents of Mill Valley. The role requires a responsible person with the time and interest to work as part of an emergency response team. Being at home during the day is not a pre-requisite. A … Read more
Plan ahead and build an Grab & Go Bag, including items such as copies of financial records on a USB drive, extra eyeglasses, flashlight and small battery-operated radio. This backpack can be left in a closet near your front door or under your bed. You can add last minute items from your Grab and Go … Read more
Battalion Chief Todd Lando (Central Marin FD); Dr. Shannamar Dewey (Camp Fire Evacuee & Survivor) discuss wildfire survival and evacuation strategies.
Zone Zero is Ground Zero when protecting your home from embers. This is the first Defensible Space zone, 0′ to 5′ from structures, decks, or anything attached to your home. Watch this short video for an introduction to the concept of Zone Zero and how you can help protect your home’s most vulnerable exterior space … Read more