El Dorado Flooding Communications

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

In late 2020, the El Dorado fire raged in the hills and mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest and adjacent communities right on the heels of the very recent Apple Fire. Immediately after the wildfires, a postfire task force was created consisting of local, state, and federal entities to prepare for the increased flooding hazards from the next storm season. This partnership was tested on the afternoon of September 12, 2022, when tropical storm Kay touched down and dropped unpredictable amounts of rainfall to the burn scar areas resulting in devastating mud and debris flow in the areas of Oak Glen and Forest Falls. All agencies, working together, sprang into action to react, respond and relay information to our affected communities. Working as a unified command, the Communications Team worked on developing messaging about the importance of prevention before the storm season approaches, the potential danger to the public, and worked swiftly after the storm to set up a press conference and press tour to share information about damages and resources to help the impacted communities. Please see link to live video of mud and debris flows https://youtu.be/Tn0E3B7UeUM.