HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - #26
Alcala, Abigail
From:Daniel Diaz <6danielestrada@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:RE: Item 26; CCM 05/21/2024
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
To the Members of the City Council,
Regarding item 26 on the agenda for tonight’s city council meeting, I would like to express my concern as a
citizen about the current emergency alert system plan. Specifically, the plan seems to lack a comprehensive
approach to informing residents during emergencies. This is a critical oversight that needs addressing.
The emergency alert system, as it stands, is essential because it integrates with all local television and radio
stations to relay alerts from the federal level to the local level. This setup ensures that residents are promptly
informed in case of an emergency.
However, the plan does not sufficiently address how information will be disseminated if internet and cell
services are unavailable. Given Santa Ana's aging infrastructure, which is prone to blackouts, it is vital to
incorporate multiple layers of communication to ensure all residents receive timely information.
This includes:
1. **Landline Services**: The city should strongly advocate against terminating landline services. Landlines
can serve as a reliable communication method when other systems fail.
2. **Local Media Coordination**: The City should coordinate with local media outlets based in Orange County
or radio stations in Santa Ana to become the official sources for emergency information. This would ensure
that, much like during the 1940s when residents tuned into 640 AM during a nuclear threat, there is a designated
channel for emergency updates.
3. **Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)**: The inclusion of WEA, which can send emergency alerts directly to
mobile devices, is crucial. These alerts can provide immediate information even if other communication
methods are compromised.
4. **Inclusivity of All Media Channels**: Recognize that not all residents have access to Channel 3 or are
subscribed to OC Alerts. Therefore, the plan must include strategies to reach everyone, regardless of their
access to specific channels or subscription services.
I urge the council to consider these points and edit the emergency alert system plan to address these key issues.
Ensuring that every resident is informed during an emergency, regardless of the state of modern communication
technology, is crucial for the safety and well-being of our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Daniel Diaz
Townsend/Raitt Neighborhood/Ward 2 Resident
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