2007 California Fires

When looking at the public announcements and stories related to the 2007 Southern California wildfires it is interesting to note how well prepared the response seemed to be.
Starting with http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/7786/ we see that Governor Schwarzenegger is doing a very good job about explaining the possible relief options and shelters available. He describes how he is planning to help families in need financially and physically. The primary issue I see with this announcement is that there is no indication of where the shelters will be; how to apply for aid; or who to contact if you are in need of aid. This basically makes the gesture seem more of a political nature rather than one targeting the best interests of those in need. The announcement should have clearly identified what is available and how to get it so that anyone who is in need who heard or read the announcement could receive the described aid.

Moving on to the next announcement 6 days later, http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/7946/
We see that the announcement of aid is actually being backed up with descriptions of what the aid is as well as who's eligible and how to get it. There are both phone numbers and web links to FEMA so that those who are in need can contact them to receive aid. Moving on from the additional 10,000$ being offered to families who are receiving the maximum amount of FEMA aid we see that there is an announcement of what kind of recovery and medical services are being offered in the areas affected by the fires. There is a very in depth description of who is offering the help and what they are doing towards the relief. However, there are still several loose ends left in regards to where licensing facilities are. This of course is getting nitpicky as the announcement is very thorough. However it would be nice for each specific area in the bullet points to have links to more information. This would allow those expecting medical supplies to know if their request had been expedited and how to apply to have your request expedited; what services are offered at what facilities and where to go if you are located near one of the four facilities still closed; where CALMAT teams are operating and what services they are providing; and the location of the facilities that offered disability services. Overall all I think the October 27th announcement is a much better representation of what is needed in a public announcement but there are the areas I mentioned above that could be better.

Joshua Gunhner
9/4/2010