September is National Preparedness Month, a time to make sure households, businesses and communities are ready before an emergency happens. This year, the City of Calabasas is engaging their residents with a month-long public awareness and action campaign encouraging the community to take simple steps now that can make a significant difference when an emergency occurs.
As a key part of the campaign, the City will conduct a citywide test of its Genasys emergency notification system on September 16. The test will give residents and businesses an opportunity to make sure they are registered, their contact information is current and they are able to receive critical City communications during an emergency. The September 16 notification will be a test only and will not indicate an actual emergency.
Genasys is the City’s free emergency notification system, providing timely, Calabasas-specific information by text, email and phone, including emergency alerts, evacuation warnings and orders, and other important safety updates. The app also provides preparedness resources that can be accessed offline when cell service or internet connectivity may be unavailable. The City is encouraging residents and businesses to register for Genasys before the September 16 test, and anyone registered by September 16 will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
The importance of being prepared and staying connected was reinforced during the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which forced the evacuation of the entire City of Calabasas, destroyed nine homes and damaged hundreds more. The experience helped shape the City’s continued focus on providing residents with the tools and information they need before an emergency occurs.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and it starts well before an emergency occurs,” said City Manager Kindon Meik. “By taking steps now to stay informed, make a plan and understand what to do during an emergency, our community can be better prepared when conditions change. At the same time, our City staff are continually training and preparing so we are ready to respond when our community needs us.”
That preparation is also taking place inside City Hall. On August 25, 2026, City staff were joined by representatives from Los Angeles County Fire, the City of Malibu, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and E.W.H. Emergency Management, LLC for a training exercise simulating a wind-driven wildfire in the area. The exercise gave staff an opportunity to practice the roles, responsibilities and coordination necessary to support the community during a major emergency.
The training is part of the City’s ongoing work to ensure staff understand their emergency responsibilities and can effectively coordinate resources, information and public communications during an incident.
Wildfire is just one of the hazards that can impact Calabasas. From extreme heat, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and power outages to earthquakes, landslides, debris flows and drought, emergencies can take many forms and may require residents to act quickly. Throughout September, the City will share information and resources addressing these hazards, disaster recovery and other ways residents can prepare.
Residents are also encouraged to register for the City’s annual Wildfire Preparedness Webinar on September 29, 2026, at 6 pm, talk with family members about how they will communicate and reconnect.
