Sonoma County’s diverse population, varied topography, and unique culture shows itself in the way residents organize to prepare their communities for disaster. The county has a number of different organization types and missions, all neighborhood based, run by neighbors, for neighbors. One lesson learned in the 2017 fires was the incredible value networks of people offer each other for life safety, resilience, and social support. Since the fires, more groups have formed and more connections have been made. The Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management recognizes this tremendous resource and benefit to the county and is working to foster and support this trend in a variety of ways. Visit the website for more information and resources.