For future questions/information (non emergency) see SMFD web site: www.smfd.org

SMFD Non-Emergency Line Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm call: 415-388-8182 

For all emergencies call: 9-1-1

City of Sausalito – General Phone Number call: 415-289-4100

Non-Emergency line call: 415-289-4170

For all emergencies call: 9-1-1

 

City of Mill Valley – General Phone Number call: 415-388-4033

Non-Emergency line call: 415-389-4100

For all emergencies call: 9-1-1

 

Marin County Sheriff's Office - General Phone Number call: 415-473-7250

Non-Emergency line call: 415-479-2311⁠

For all emergencies call: 9-1-1

Nixle: text your zip code to 888-777

How It Is Used: Information notices are sent out via text message.

• When INFORMATION is needed in a ZIP CODE.

• Road closures, general updates, issues affecting larger areas.

• Post-disaster information about shelters, transportation, or supplies.

• Police activity and general public safety information.

 

Alert Marin: register now at alertmarin.org

How It Is Used: Emergency Alerts are sent out via phone, text message, email, and app

• When ACTION is needed at a SPECIFIC ADDRESS

• Imminent flooding, wildfires, and evacuations with life safety implications

• During-event information about evacuation routes, shelters, transportation

• Other public safety incidents where lives may be at risk

The Public Emergency Portal of Marin County is your trusted source of information for emergency preparedness and response.  The purpose of this website is to connect our Marin County community with resources to plan for the emergency and know what to do in case of the emergency.

Visit www.emergency.marincounty.org

A NOAA Weather Radio can be an excellent source of information during emergencies. Prices vary from $20 up, depending on the model. Many receivers have an alarm feature, but some may not. 

Local emergency officials can send an evacuation alert through the NOAA Weather Radio system.  This system was used successfully in Sonoma County during the 2019 Kincade Fire.

Social media such as Facebook and Twitter are excellent sources of public information and may be used during emergencies.  Be sure to follow:

Facebook: @SouthernMarinFire

Twitter: @SMFDInfo

Instagram: @SouthernMarinFire

Linkedin: Southern Marin Fire District

Nextdoor: Southern Marin Fire District

Monitor local news and radio stations for fire information.  In Marin, AM 740, AM 810, FM 106.9, FM 88.5; are good options.  In West Marin, KWMR FM 90.5 Point Reyes & FM 89.9 Bolinas are excellent local options.  KPIX, KRON, KTVU are good local TV news sources.

What is LRAD? 

Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) emergency alert systems are unique in that they can project both siren and voice recordings to alert and inform community members during a large-scale disaster. The new sirens are the first land-based LRAD system in Marin County.

Why LRAD sirens?

The purchase and installation of the LRAD system goes a long way to improve the resiliency and redundancy of our communication systems. LRAD systems are highly effective in communicating warnings, instructions, and notifications throughout incident sites and over vast areas during life-threatening events.

History of LRAD & other sirens in Southern Marin?

LRAD systems are currently installed in five locations through-out the City of Mill Valley and tested on the first Saturday of every month. Mill Valley replaced the existing sirens in 2019. Mill Valley replaced sirens similar to those being utilized as outdoor sirens currently in multiple locations though-out the Town of Tiburon.

The Town of Tiburon alerts, known as SNAP (Siren Notification Alerting the Peninsula), is a rotating beacon style horn that will sound if the area has been cut off from outside resources. Find out more by visiting the SNAP webpage with more specific details. 

Most all fire stations have had horns and sirens in the past that would be tested on the first Saturday of each month. Advancements in technology and increased wildfire threats have lead emergency services to increase the installation and expansion of outdoor sirens through-out the community.

Learn more about Long Range Acoustic Device Emergency Siren System by visiting: www.smfd.org/LRAD

A: 

Red Flag Warning Days give us a warning that the weather conditions are right for extreme wildfire events. These warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and go out to the Marin community through Nixle, news outlets, social media, and signs posted on major roads and intersections. 

What to do on a Red Flag Warning Day:

• Review your wildfire evacuation checklist.
• Clear anything combustible that is within 5ft of your house, including:
  • Leaves from roofs and gutters
  • Wicker lawn furniture and all cushions
  • Wood piles or debris near structures
  • Flammable doormats
• Ensure your family and pets are prepared and keep your evacuation go-bag nearby.
• Ensure your car has a full tank of gas or is fully charged.
• Ensure your cell phone is charged, and monitor phones, radio, and TV for emergency alerts.
• Keep hydrated – it’s usually warm and dry!

What not to do on a Red Flag Warning Day:

• Don’t use barbecues or fire pits outdoors.
• Don’t use power tools (gas or electric) or mowers.
• Don’t smoke outdoors.
• Avoid driving or parking in dry grass or vegetation.
• Avoid closed areas and be alert while visiting (open) public lands where wildfires might occur.

Sign up for alerts, pack a go-bag, and make a plan. 

A. It’s important to understand that you will NOT receive routine notifications whenever the fire department responds to a fire in your neighborhood.  In most cases, firefighters are able to quickly extinguish fires without the need for evacuations.  Alert Marin will normally be used only when there is threat or need for evacuation, and messages will only be sent to the addresses impacted! 

Nixle and Twitter, as well as local tv and radio, are also good sources for local information, but are NOT the official evacuation notification system in Marin.  Do not rely exclusively on these alternate sources for evacuation information!

A. Sausalito and the City of Mill Valley operates an emergency alert system via numerous channels, including sirens, calls and texts, social media, and working with local TV and radio to amplify messaging. Go to www.alertmarin.org and sign up today. We use these methods to alert community members with real-time information on the disaster, evacuation logistics, shelters, and other information.

However, you do not have to wait for an evacuation order – you may leave well ahead of the danger if you are inclined, and there is no "Shelter in Place" order for your area. This is advised for individuals with special needs that may require extra time and special assistance.

A. Where to evacuate will depend on the disaster and a myriad of circumstances that may impact your area, such as the wind, weather, road access, and other factors. Southern Marin Fire District recommend that you “Know Two Ways Out” and identify not only your primary evacuation route, but alternative routes as well. The evacuation maps in this email will show you roads, paths, and other routes to get away from danger to a nearby Temporary Community Refuge Area. If you are evacuating, Public Safety officials recommend that you:

1. GO to safety at a Temporary Community Refuge Area.
2. WAIT for the danger to pass.
3. LISTEN for instructions from the authorities.

A. You can download your area’s evacuation map on one of the links below. Please remember that Southern Marin Fire District recommends that you “Know Two Ways Out,” and identify not only your primary evacuation route, but alternative routes as well.

Evacuation Map Links

• Sausalito Area
• Blithedale/Summit/Cascade 
• Edgewood/Homestead
• Hillside
• Scott Valley
• Tam Valley

A. Community Refuge Areas are locations throughout Sausalito and Mill Valley which have minimal vegetation and wide expanses of paved or well irrigated and mowed grassy areas, such as Dunphy Park in Sausalito, and Mill Valley Golf Course in Mill Valley. The evacuation maps indicate where these areas exist in your neighborhood.

A. Here are some next steps to feel prepared for any emergency disaster:

• After signing yourself up, sign up friends and family for emergency alerts from Nixle and AlertMarin.
• Pack a “Grab and Go Bag” for yourself and everyone in your family – including your pets.
• Discuss your primary and alternative evacuation routes and potential Community Refuge Areas with your family.
• Practice evacuating and get acquainted with the routes.
• Take time to go over your evacuation map (downloads are available here) and contact us if you have any questions.