In light of the major wildland fires the county experienced last summer and weather forecasters expect another long hot summer, and with the serious drought conditions we have been facing, Sheriff Varney says it is imperative for all people who work or live with in Madera County especially those in the foothills to register or update their information.The County’s Emergency Alert System, also known as MCAlert, allows residents to update their personal profile or register from the comfort of their homes using the website www.mcalert.org. MCAlert is used to update residents regarding emergency evacuation during the fire season. Sheriff Varney believes this is fastest way for residents to be alerted to an evacuation. "Deputy Sheriffs will still come to advise residents but that takes time. By signing up, you will help keep everyone in the community safer including our deputies and firefighters", stated Sheriff Varney.
MCAlert is also used for other natural disasters such as floods, severe weather and missing persons, such as Amber or Silver Alerts when necessary.
The system is free and Sheriff Varney is urging everyone who not yet signed up, to do so before May 1 so they can participate in the county wide test. Sheriff Varney said he is also placing booths at store fronts and public events for people to sign up and/or update their profile. Date, Times and Locations are listed below. At the booths will be Community Service Officers and Citizen’s on Patrol helping the community sign up.
Sheriff Varney also encourages residents to check out CAL-FIRE’s ready for wildfire website www.readyforwildfire.org for tips regarding getting ready for wildland fire season and evacuation prep kit information.
Sheriff Varney also reminds people to remember the six “P’s” during evacuations to bring with them.
· People and Pets
· Papers, Phone Number and Important Documents
· Prescriptions, Vitamins, and Eyeglasses
· Pictures and Irreplaceable Memorabilia
· Personal Computers Hard Drives and Disk
· “Plastic” (Credit Cars, ATM Cards and Cash)
May
Saturday, 9th: Flatlanders Parade After Events
Thursday, 13th: Coarsegold Market 1pm to 4pm
Saturday, 23rd: Peddler Fair, Oakhurst 8am to 3pm
Saturday, 30th: Bass Lake Triathlon After Events
June
Thursday, 18th: Oakhurst Farmers Market 5pm to 8pm
July
Thursday, 16th: Oakhurst Famers Market 5pm to 8pm
August
Thursday, 20th: Oakhurst Farmers Market 5pm to 8pm
