LA County Installs Reverse 911/Emergency Notification System

LA County launched an emergency alert notification system on Thursday to notify residents during a disaster.

The system is already connected to all land-line phones in the county but you can add your cellphone and email by going to alert.lacounty.gov.

Here is some info from that site:

Los Angeles County has implemented an emergency mass notification system that will be used to contact County residents and businesses via recorded phone messages, text messages or e-mail messages in case of emergency. The system, called Alert LA County, will be used by the County’s Emergency Operations Center to notify residents and businesses of emergencies or critical situations and provide information regarding necessary actions, such as evacuations. The system utilizes the telephone companies’ 911 database and is able to contact land-line telephone numbers, whether listed or unlisted. If the call is picked up by an answering machine, the system will leave a recorded message. If the number called is busy or does not answer, the system will redial the number in an attempt to deliver the message. The system is also TTY/TDD compatible.

Sheriff’s officials cautioned that while the new system is effective, people should not wait for a call to leave their home during a disaster. If you think you’re in danger, get out.

Disaster Tip of The Week:Have Flashlights Ready, With Plenty of Extra Batteries

The timing of this week's disaster tip could not be better, since the power went out in my neighborhood last night for about 45 minutes.

Having flashlights or battery powered lanterns near by during a power outage or during a disaster is very good for helping to keep people calm. Being able to see what you are doing is a great help too.

Some people suggest propane lanterns and candles, and being from the North East these were common in my house as a kid and great for when storms knock out the power.

However, during major disasters these are not the best choice, since there is a fire danger. Gas leaks are very common.

If you are going to use a candle, lantern or even before you light a match or lighter, be 100 percent sure it is safe to do so.

So, if you can use battery powered, or even hand cranked powered lights, at least until you know it is safe to use other sources.

I keep several battery powered lanterns with batteries in them at all times. I also have a few other lanterns and lights ready but without batteries in them.

I also have enough batteries for each light source along with back up batteries for each which some may say is a little over kill, but hey, it's about being prepared right?

National Disaster Summit Currently Taking Place Around The Country

The 2009 National Disaster Summit is underway making the rounds around the country. The next National Disaster Summit event is taking place in Nashville, TN on March 19th.

If you are looking for an excellent event or confreence on disaster preparedness I recomend that you attend this event.

From the National Disaster Summit site:

Whether you are just starting to think about creating a disaster plan for your business or looking to update your current plan, our educational seminar will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to create a complete and efficient plan. More importantly, the information you receive will give you confidence that your business, employees and property will survive and recover in the event of a disaster.

Join them as they discuss

* Business continuity plans, procedures and project management tools
* Business risk analysis and impact of potential disasters
* Developing business unit management plans and procedures
* Implementing disaster plans through detailed testing and employee training
* Environmental issues and air quality control following a disaster
* Deploying emergency response and recovery teams to ground zero
* Insurance claims management to ensure maximum benefits under a policy
* Procedures to follow in reconstructing and restoring your structure and operations
* Life/safety techniques and proper triage training
* Effective communication systems during emergencies
* Pandemic, avian flu and other dangerous viruses
* Private/Public partnerships and government funding
* County fire department planning and resources available
* Federal, State and Local Government disaster planning and preparations

To Register for one of the events Follow the links below, and be sure to check out their website:

National Disaster Summit

The remainder of the 2009 venue schedule:

March 19 - Nashville,TN

April 16 - Fort Lauderdale, FL

May15 - Chicago, IL

July 16 - Houston, TX

September 17 - Seattle, WA

October 22 - Philadelphia, PA