Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea commissioners praise large evacuation drill, highlight new transit and emergency partnerships

Commissioners in Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea on Tuesday highlighted last week’s evacuation drill and public safety fair as a useful exercise that strengthened local emergency partnerships.

Nancy Tumi, speaking during public appearances, thanked organizers: “I just wanted to thank everyone involved in the evacuation drill,” she said, adding the hands‑on exercise and fair “was a great opportunity” for residents to learn emergency procedures.

Leslie, a staff member, reported that Monterey–Salinas Transit supplied two buses and allowed attendees to bring animals. “I had 56 people ride the buses,” Leslie said, and arrangements at the safety zone at Carmel Middle School included refreshments from the Red Cross and a short survey for participants.

Marissa Bermudas, acting assistant city administrator and acting community activities director, said the exercise’s goal was to build contacts and partnerships so agencies can respond collaboratively in a real emergency. “That was the goal, right? To create contacts and build this partnership so if there was an emergency … we could get [MST] out here,” she said.

Speakers noted the drill was highly choreographed and does not capture the full chaos of a real evacuation, but they said it created useful muscle memory for residents and staff. Officials also flagged timing and alert delivery as areas to refine — for example, one participant said they received conflicting cues about when to depart.

The commission said the contacts created among police, fire, volunteers and transit are a lasting benefit of the exercise, and staff encouraged residents to consult the city’s Carmel Prepares guidance for evacuation checklists and upcoming preparedness clinics.

The discussion did not produce any formal motions; commissioners said they will continue to refine logistics for future drills and look for ways to repeat exercises to maintain readiness.