RCRC has lent its support to Senate Bill 821 by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara).  SB 821 would authorize counties to automatically enroll residents into county-operated emergency notification systems, as well as allow residents to “opt-out” of receiving emergency alerts.  

Current “opt-in” emergency notification systems are not adequate to notify residents during emergency situations. This became very clear during the devastating 2017 wildfires, which killed 44 people and injured 192 others in Northern California.  Fires such as the Tubbs Fire and the Thomas Fire were fast-moving due to severe conditions, which included high winds and dry vegetation.  The lack of a suitable, coordinated emergency notification system slowed evacuations during these fires and further endangered the safety of residents in those areas.

Recent emergencies in California reinforce the need for a robust emergency notification system, and SB 821 would ensure the safety of county residents during a disaster.

Ms. Rhine’s support letter can be accessed here.  Ms. Rhine can be reached at (916) 447-4806 or trhine@rcrcnet.org.