LA County plans Topanga Canyon evacuation drill with wireless alert test

The drill will include a test of emergency alert systems and a check-in event for residents.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:54pm

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Los Angeles County officials will conduct an evacuation drill in Topanga Canyon on Saturday, including a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system and the Alert LA County notification system. Following the alert test, residents can participate in a check-in event at King Gillette Ranch to learn about evacuation procedures and emergency preparedness.

Why it matters

Topanga Canyon is a high-risk area for wildfires and other natural disasters, so emergency preparedness is crucial for residents. This drill aims to help the community act quickly and safely if an evacuation is needed in the future.

The details

The evacuation drill is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday. The test alerts will be clearly marked as a drill, not a real emergency. After the alert test, residents can attend a check-in event from 9 a.m. to noon at King Gillette Ranch, where county staff and emergency personnel will provide information about evacuation and preparedness.

  • The evacuation drill is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The check-in event for residents will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the same day.

The players

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath

A Los Angeles County Supervisor who emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness in Topanga Canyon.

James Grasso

The president of the Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness, who said the drill reflects the community's commitment to readiness.

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What they’re saying

“In Topanga Canyon, emergency preparedness is a way of life --because in an emergency, every second counts. This drill is an important step to help Topanga residents act quickly and safely if evacuation is needed.”

— Supervisor Lindsey Horvath

“This Evacuation Drill reflects that commitment, helping residents, families, and neighbors strengthen their readiness and support one another when it matters most.”

— James Grasso, President, Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness

What’s next

Residents were encouraged to sign up for Alert LA County notifications, enable test alerts on their mobile devices, and review their household emergency plans ahead of the drill.

The takeaway

This emergency preparedness drill in Topanga Canyon, a high-risk area for natural disasters, underscores the importance of community-wide readiness and coordination to ensure the safety of residents when every second counts.