Notes on Community Emergency Management - Zaca Fire

The Zaca Fire Emergency in Santa Barbara County, California, has given a good example of how the Internet can serve as an important, if not essential, local information and emergency management tool.

Over the past month, as the fire has continued to burn and expand, one of the most reliable sources of information on the fire has been through the Internet with agencies like RAIN's Rural Community Network helping ensure public access to essential information.

Internet news updates and video reports from all 3 of the local TV station's web sites are available by quickly linking to their web sites. State Fire Information web were always online and available. And the Santa Maria Times web site has provided accurate and regular updates.

Regional Internet systems like RAIN make a new, effective approach to Emergency Management a real possibility. As we begin to see County, City and State Agencies work with local Networks like RAIN the scope and accessibility of Emergency Information will expand significantly. For folks who may have to stay in evacuation sites, if the palnning is in place there should be the possibility of library and school lab computers to help ensure folks could be in touch with family during evacuation.

Check these web sites for Information during the Zaca Fire:

Santa Barbara County:
http://www.countyofsb.org/index.asp

Santa Barbara County Fire Department:
http://www.sbcfire.com/

Local Media:

http://www.keyt.com/
http://www.ksby.com/
http://www.kcoy.com/
http://www.santamariatimes.com/