Marin County conducted a countywide test of its emergency alert system and approved $3.021 million in winter storm preparedness funding as it prepared for the winter season.
The Marin County Office of Emergency Management tested AlertMarin, the county's primary emergency notification system, on September 26, sending notifications by phone, text, and email to subscribers. The test reached approximately 46,000 households, representing just under half of all households countywide. Nearly 1,000 residents signed up for AlertMarin in September, according to the county.
The county introduced new optional notification groups for non-emergency hazards including coastal flooding, prescribed burns, riverine flooding, significant traffic disruptions, and significant weather to provide residents with earlier warning of potential impacts.
The Board of Supervisors approved the $3.021 million investment on September 29 to strengthen flood protection, protect critical infrastructure, expand emergency response capabilities, and support community preparedness.
The county is preparing for potential El Niño impacts. Forecasts indicate El Niño could bring a wetter and more active winter with atmospheric rivers, flooding, coastal erosion, landslides, strong winds, power outages, and transportation disruptions.