Sebastopol Ready

In November of 2024, the Meet Your Neighbors (MYN) Program was turned over to the Gravenstein Health Action Coalition (GHAC), a 501 C3 organization. The City of Sebastopol and GHAC are working together through the end of the fiscal year 2025 to ensure the Meet Your Neighbors (MYN) Program continues and evolves, and encourages participation by all residents.

During a large local emergency, the Sebastopol Fire Department and other area first responders will deploy personnel and equipment to the areas where they are needed most. With resources likely stretched thin, many areas will be on their own for hours, days, or longer.

In recent local incidents, neighbors have been able to provide care, safety and comfort simply by working together. All Sebastopol area Fire Departments and Districts support neighbors helping neighbors and encourage neighbors to use and build upon the proven 8 step framework available in this FEMA originated program.  

The Meet Your Neighbors (MYN) Program introduces area residents to this simple framework through an initial MYN Class. Follow up by MYN Program meetings to assist residents in adapting MYN to fit their particular neighborhood.

The MYN Program has a base of many experienced and active MYN Leaders volunteering to assist new Leaders. Together they explore ways to involve neighbors and implement the 8 simple steps of MYN. 

The Sebastopol Neighborhood Communications Unit (SNCU) has developed a local handheld radio network to be accessed by MYN Leaders. This radio network extends the ability of Leaders and neighborhoods to connect with each other when seeking or providing information and assistance during an emergency. 

Collaborating on and adapting around basic steps and protocols in and across our neighborhoods is important to minimize the chaos and problems of the first hour(s) of any emergency. If we are fortunate enough not to be directly impacted, and we know how to safely take care of ourselves, neighbors helping neighbors will be part of the solution. 

SebastopolREADY
Neighbors helping neighbors