Using the Telephone Tree

When increasing public safety is the goal, a plan to open lines of communication between emergency service providers and those we serve isn't just an opportunity; it becomes a necessary objective. Relaying emergency information in a timely manner can be crucial to public safety. When wildfires occur in populated areas, getting accurate information to those who need it most when they need it has been and remains a great challenge. It can be extremely difficult and at times impossible. Life-threatening wildfires move quickly and behave unpredictably - the Oakland Hills disaster serves as an excellent example. But not all fires pose an immediate threat to area residents. When timely notifications are possible, an emergency communications system for the community (an ECC system) can dramatically increase the effectiveness of fire-fighting agencies.

Once established, an emergency notification system could be used in both emergency and non-emergency capacities to notify residents of:

* Threatening emergencies such as wildfires and floods
* Safe escape routes and safety zones to retreat to
* Places to transport livestock in an emergency
* Phone numbers and web sites to call or access for specific assistance-related information
* Notification of changes in regulations designed to prevent fire starts
* Notification of arson (or theft or missing child or cougar attack) in a given area

The system wouldn't be activated every time a fire occurred, and not everyone in the system would need to be immediately notified. It wouldn't be an informational cure-all but a cheap and easy way to possibly increase public safety immediately and dramatically. In time it could be improved and refined.

Telephone Tree Protocol

Identify yourself (name & phone number) as calling as part of the local neighborhood phone tree. Clearly state the purpose of the call - to inform the party of the emergency - and have that person write down the following information:

1. The type and nature of the incident (e.g. fire, flood, or storm conditions, traffic disaster, blocked road, etc.).

2. The location of incident. Provide a good description of the location, being as specific as possible (e.g., Jones property on the west side along the road).

3. Assessment of the incident, based on information from neighborhood liaison. For example:
* Grass fire discovered in last 1-8 hours. Fire crews are on site (if true).
* Flood has taken bridge out. Traffic being re-routed via "XXX" road.
* Gas Tanker leaking at "X" mile marker of Hwy 238. Traffic blocked and being turned around.

4. Actions to consider (Note that no one has authority to order an evacuation.)
* Begin initial stage of preparedness for fire protection: hoses out, animals secured.
* Keep phone tree available for communication.
* Notify family members not on property of potential hazard conditions.

5. Communication contact information
* Advise party of phone number of local emergency contact for further information.
* Advise that a "close out" phone call will be made when the situation is controlled or over.

6. In the event that an answering machine is reached
* Leave a brief but complete message regarding the situation. Give the time, and announce that you will complete this person's telephone tree obligations.
* Make the two calls that would be the answering machine person's responsibility.
* Do not stop making calls until you have reached live persons with the message.