SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — What happens behind the scenes when a major disaster strikes?
Santa Barbara County's Emergency Operations Center is designed to be a central hub where county agencies coordinate their response during emergencies.
The county is giving residents a rare look inside the facility during a series of open houses focused on emergency preparedness.
“We’re in the Emergency Operations Center. This is the county’s hub for coordinating all county agencies,” said Kelley Hubbard, director of the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.
The center brings together agencies including fire, law enforcement, public works, health officials and emergency management.
The goal is to take information coming in from the field and turn it into action.
“What are emergency managers? We want people to understand … come together to support them in their worst day possible, potentially,” Hubbard said.
County officials train and plan for a range of emergencies, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes and other large-scale disasters.
But preparedness starts long before an emergency happens.
During the open house, residents can learn about the technology, equipment and people involved in coordinating an emergency response.
A simulated earthquake exercise gives visitors a chance to think about how their own homes would fare during a major earthquake.
The event also highlights some of the tools emergency crews use after disasters. For example, equipment can help clear debris from roads after heavy rain.
The open house is also designed to make emergency preparedness approachable for children, with activities, fire hats and other giveaways.
Officials say one of the most important steps residents can take is signing up for emergency alerts.
Only about 21% of Santa Barbara County residents are currently registered for emergency alerts through ReadySBC, according to county officials.
Those alerts can provide critical information during emergencies, including evacuation warnings and other instructions.
Safety officials also recommend residents keep basic emergency supplies on hand. Hubbard demonstrated the importance of having simple tools available, including an emergency whistle. Three short blasts are a commonly recognized distress signal.
The county's next Emergency Operations Center open house is scheduled for Saturday, August 29.
Residents can learn more about emergency preparedness and emergency alerts through ReadySBC.
Santa Barbara County gives public a look inside Emergency Operations Center News Channel 3-12.
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