Nearly four years after the deadly Cedar Fire torched Southern California, San Diego county finally has a new, more comprehensive disaster plan. The story from KPBS reporter Alan Ray.
The disaster plan in place when the Cedar Fire broke out amounted to two pages -- and wasn't very helpful for evacuating 50,000 people.
A dozen people died trying to escape Wildcat Canyon. Now the Unified Disaster Council, with representatives of San Diego County and its 18 cities, has developed a new, 80-page plan for dealing with earthquakes, fires, floods, or terrorist attacks.
It lays out clear lines of authority, responsibility, and communication. The Union Tribune reports it includes provisions for dealing with people that have “special needs,” people without private transportation, tourists, and the disabled.
With a reverse 9-1-1system already in place to relay emergency information to 1.4 million home phones, the county is also seeking bids on an internet-based system that would make emergency contact with cell phones.
And there's a section for dealing with the evacuation of pets.
Alan Ray, KPBS News.
