NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – In the wake of this fall’s devastating wildland fires, state legislators representing the North Coast are introducing a bill aimed at setting statewide emergency alert protocols in order to increase the safety of residents.
California is experiencing a fire season like none other in its history. The unprecedented devastation during the October firestorm in Northern California is now ranked as the most destructive and deadly in American history, and the state is facing the huge fires raging in southern California.
The firestorm that ravaged Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties destroyed more than 6,000 homes, scorched more than 170,000 acres, causing billions in damage and resulting in the death of 44 residents, with officials reporting that there are still residents registered as missing from the fires.
Thousands of neighbors, in the middle of the night on a Sunday evening, were caught unaware and their lives were saved by brave neighbors, friends, police and firemen going door to door.
Residents reported that they did not receive emergency alerts during the peak of the evacuations, and after initial review, it's become obvious a statewide standard for emergency alerts must be established.
In response, California’s North Bay legislative delegation will be introducing a bill setting statewide emergency alert protocols.
There are several different emergency warning systems available to counties that alert residents through cell phone calls, text messages, and landline recordings.
Some systems require residents to “opt-in” to the alert notifications, and others have limitations on how they can be targeted in specific areas.
Legislation being introduced by Senator McGuire and the entire North Bay California Legislative Delegation in January will require every county in California to adopt the up-to-date Wireless Emergency Alert system with trained operators who can implement an evacuation order using the alert system.
The legislation will also set out standards for when counties should use the system, the legislation will mandate that alerts have to be sent out via landline telephones, mobile phone devices and other mediums as well as guidelines and protocols for when and how the alerts should be sent.
“The size and scope of wildland fire events in California are only getting worse. It's clear there are shortcomings in our emergency alert system and residents deserve timely notifications and up-to-date information,” Sen. Mike McGuire (D-North Bay) said. “Lives depend on the Legislature and Governor taking swift action to ensure statewide emergency alert standards are adopted, training is implemented and funding is secured to ensure communities big and small have reliable alert systems deployed.”
“When wildfires and other disasters strike, it’s critical that impacted residents get emergency alerts as quickly as possible,” said Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa). “Regardless of where you live in California, everyone should be able to rely on a comprehensive, modern warning systems that gets information to the people who need it, when they need it. Emergency alerts can save lives, which is why Sen. McGuire and I are partnering with our colleagues in the state Assembly to advance a system that meets our 21st century needs.”
“The raging wildfires endangering Californians across the state is without precedent. Lawmakers must protect our communities with the best safety notifications available to prevent loss of life during emergency situations,” said Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-Marin County). “All California communities should have dependable emergency alert systems and be notified when lives are in danger.”
“The recent devastating fires in Northern California have put laser focus on our need to fix our emergency notification system,” said Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg). As we now see with the fires in Southern California, the time is now to protect our residents with a system that works for everyone, both urban and rural.”
“As a member of the Joint Committee on Emergency Management, we heard testimony this week on how critical it is for local governments to alert our mutual constituents in times of crisis,” said Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “I’m happy to join in this effort with my legislative and local government colleagues, and I look forward to continuing our work together that started during the North Bay wildfires. As the recovery continues, we must also stay vigilant to protect people in the event of future emergencies.”
North Bay legislative delegation to introduce bill setting statewide emergency alert protocols
- Lake County News reports
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