WILDFIRES NEAR EAST HILLS: WHAT WE KNOW RIGHT NOW
There has been a lot of confusion regarding the fires and what families should be doing right now. This is written to help clarify what we know right now – and how San Jose’s Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management are asking us to proceed. 

Here’s what we know at the moment: 

A) The current evacuation orders are for the area that is to the east of the city limits, and does NOT include the City of San Jose. Many of our neighbors that live in the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County along the East Hills are being asked by the County Sheriff to voluntarily participate in the current evacuation. 

B) For City of San Jose residents, what is being recommended is: 
  1. Monitor the situation 
  2. Make a plan and be prepared 
  3. Be ready to go if a new evacuation order comes out 
Este mapa muestra la zona de evacuación de Cal Fire, al este del Límite de la Ciudad. Estamos trabajando con el Condado y Cal Fire para mantener esta información actualizada y precisa: http://bit.ly/SCU_FireEvacMap .

Bản đồ này cho thấy các khu vực cần phải di tản dựa theo Cal Fire, phía đông Ranh Giới Thành Phố. Chúng tôi đang làm việc với Quận Hạt và Cal Fire để cập nhật tin tức này một cách chính xác: http://bit.ly/SCU_FireEvacMap
1) Monitor the Situation
Last night, the City released a preliminary map that has since been updated:

The City map overlays information received from CAL FIRE SCU’s evacuation order and warning issued at 9:45pm on August 19, evacuation center locations, and an address look-up tool. Please note that the Evergreen Community Center is a PREPARED evacuation point, but not currently active. 

Residents are encouraged to use the address look up tool to visualize the proximity of the evacuation order and warning boundaries to your homes. 

This map will continued to be updated as the City receives new information but for immediate and latest information on evacuation orders and warnings please follow along on Twitter  @calfireSCU and @CityofSanJose, or watch live news outlets such as local television or radio stations. 


Sign up for emergency alerts at www.alertscc.org and encourage your neighbors to sign up too. 
 
The Wildfire Information Hotline can also be reached at: 669-247-7431. 
2) Make a Plan, Be Prepared 

Monitor Cal Fire’s online incident map and download its app, where you can create a readiness plan and learn about imminent threats to your area.  

For instructions on how to create a wildfire evacuation plan and family communication plan visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/ 


Here are some of the recommended steps: 
  • Be sure to create an wildfire evacuation plan that includes a family communication plan, especially for families with young children, seniors, and family members with disabilities 

  • Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and what to do in the event of an evacuation 

  • Check in on your neighbors and make sure they have a plan to leave should they need to 

  • Keep your phone nearby and have your ringer on so you receive notifications 

  • Be sure to keep your car gas tank full to be able to leave without delays 

  • Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you would be able to stay with them, should the need arise. If you do need to evacuate and plan to stay with friends or relatives, ask first if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have people in their home at higher risk for serious illness. If that is the case, make other arrangements. Check with hotels, motels and campgrounds to learn if they are open. 

Prepare an emergency bag that includes:  
  • Face masks or coverings (at least two per person) 
  • Sanitation supplies such as hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, soap and disinfectant wipes 
  • Map marked with at least two evacuation routes 
  • Medication, supplies and home-use medical devices 
  • An extra set of keys 
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses 
  • A change of clothes 
  • Cash in small bills 
  • First-aid kit 
  • Flashlight 
  • A portable radio and batteries 
  • Charging cables for your cellphone and a portable cellphone battery pack 
  • A copy of your ID and other important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.) 
  • Baby and pet supplies, if applicable 
  • Water: one gallon a person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home) 
  • Food: nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home) 
3) Be Ready to Go

If an evacuation order is declared for our community, its important to follow CAL FIRE’s directions promptly. Here are Evacuation Tips from the CAL FIRE website: 

Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you would be able to stay with them, should the need arise. If you do need to evacuate and plan to stay with friends or relatives, ask first if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have people in their home at higher risk for serious illness. If that is the case, make other arrangements. Check with hotels, motels and campgrounds to learn if they are open.  

For those who are evacuating and have questions about where to go, please call: 408-808-7778. The hotline is for evacuees only, not general fire information.

If you need immediate sheltering support/assistance, please contact the American Red Cross at: 866-272-2237 

Evacuation Resource Centers 
Two evacuation resource centers have been set up at the following locations:  
 
  • Milpitas Library, 160 N. Main Street, Milpitas CA 95035  
  • Ann Sobrato High School, 401 Burnett Ave., Morgan Hill CA 95037 
 
The evacuation resource center is staffed by the American Red Cross and serves to assess the needs of individuals and families impacted by the evacuations and determine appropriate resources. The center is not a shelter but serves to assist residents with temporary housing. 
We're working to bring you the most up to date information as soon as possible but please continue to monitor the situation, make a plan, and be prepared to evacuate should new orders be posted from CalFire. Be safe and check in on each other.

In Community,

Sylvia Arenas
Councilmember, District 8