EDIS/Northridge Database Project

EDIS Project Users' Manual

Here's an HTML copy of the EDIS users' manual as it was written by California's Office of Emergency Services:

Emergency Digital Information Service

This electronic system links emergency responders and public information officers by a form of packet radio directly to newsroom computers and printers, and to some governmental agencies throughout California.

This is a powerful tool for emergency responders and public information officers because important life-safety and emergency public information can be sent directly to broadcast stations,newspapers, and other governmental entities.

EDIS is programmed to allow the emergency responder or public information officer to assign a level of urgency to the messages to alert newsrooms of the relative importance of the information.

Those levels are

BULLETIN or FLASH -- Immediate life-safety hazard or EBS Activation or immediate broadcast requested

URGENT -- Followup to a BULLETIN or FLASH.

NEWS -- Important information from your agency, or a follow up to a BULLETIN. Generally sent as a NEWS RELEASE or fact sheet

INFO -- Generally information that is not for broadcast or is to advise the media of information that is not "news" Generally sent as an ADVISORY

TEST MESSAGE -- To send test messages to newsrooms

EDIS also capable of transmitting fax copies of EDIS releases to media outlets which do not yet have EDIS radio receivers. This 90-day courtesy fax service is to allow stations and newspapers time to purchase and install the necessary radio equipment for EDIS reception.

A FLASH or BULLETIN message is the highest level of alert to a newsroom, and is, generally speaking, information about evacuations, extreme weather warnings or other events which require the general public to take some immediate protective action.

EDIS is designed to not only send these messages immediately to newsrooms, but will soon have the capability of activating the open-caption system directly on local television stations. In cooperation with station management, the BULLETINS sent from an EOC or the incident scene will be displayed directly on home screens.

BULLETINS should not be lengthy and should be written in short sentences for easy readability on the television screen. Full upper-case type should be used only for BULLETINS.

The EDIS FLASH or BULLETIN also enters newsroom computers with the American Newspaper Publishers' Association (ANPA) code for bulletins.

NEWS RELEASES are assigned a non-emergency code, and do not trigger the open captioning system on local television stations This function is to be used for news releases that your department normally issues, or updates on BULLETINS. NEWS RELEASES are written in upper and lower case.

URGENTS are messages that need to be known immediately by the public and/or the media, but not necessarily of a life-safety nature. After you've transmitted your original BULLETIN.

Fact sheets and backgrounders may be also transmitted as NEWS RELEASES.

The INFO or MEDIA ADVISORY function allows the PIO to send messages to newsrooms that may or may not be for broadcast or news use. These messages may include the distribution of telephone numbers of command posts, corrections to earlier stories, or reminders of events that are scheduled to occur. MEDIA ADVISORIES are written in upper and lower case.

The TEST function is to allow the PIO to test the system with an individual newsroom or other user.

All messages are also distributed automatically by fax, with the exception of TEST messages.

Writing EDIS Messages

EDIS messages can be transmitted into the system from any modem-equipped computer, including computers in hazmat or communications vans.

If the news release is typed in DOS with WordPerfect(c) software, save the news release first as a WordPerfect(c) document, then again as a TEXT file. To keep track of news releases and the associated text files, a simple numbering system and file name appendage is necessary.

It is recommended that all news releases be numbered, and that number be written into the news release, and also used as a file name.

The first news release might be saved in WordPerfect(c) as "Fire1.wp" and then saved again as a text file with the file name "Fire1.txt" for transmission by EDIS. Short advisories, BULLETINS or FLASHES may be typed directly into the EDIS computer, saving the step of creating a text file.

The news release, advisory or fact sheet should follow a simple format, with a headline at the top to give the sense of the importance of the message to newsroom editors. To center the headline, use spaces rather than a centering command or tabs. Paragraph indentation should be done with three spaces instead of a tab. Headlines should reflect the most important fact of the story. The attention of the news editors must be captured quickly, because most computer screens only display the first 25 lines of a story.

All messages, including BULLETINS should end with the word "END" which should also be spaced to the center of the page. Margins should be set to allow 65 spaces per line. Once the text file is uploaded to EDIS, control-D must be entered on a separate line to close the EDIS file and begin transmission.

The computer will then automatically insert the line "FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:" The name of the contact person and the telephone number should be typed manually into EDIS if it was not placed in the body of the text.

If the contact name and telephone number is part of the body of the text, then enter a carriage return when the phrase FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT appears on the screen.

The EDIS computer automatically inserts the name of the originating jurisdiction at the top of the page. It will also provide the slug "NEWS RELEASE."

The text message to be uploaded should look like this:

-----------------------------
EVACUATED RESIDENTS ALLOWED HOME IN LIBERTY COUNTY

SANTA LUCIA -- At 12:53 p.m., the Santa Lucia County Health department 
determined that the air quality in the area of the Cassaday Mobile Park had
improved to the point that residents evacuated last night could be allowed 
to return to their homes.

 About 115 residents of the mobile home park north of Santa Lucia were 
evacuated due to dense smoke from the Vogelioni Tire Recycling Center.

 All residents may return to their homes immediately.
                  --END--

fire8

Writing EDIS News Release

Issue a news release only when you want the public to know something important or of interest. More harm is done to an agencies` image if the media are flooded with uninteresting news releases. Overkill could cause the truly newsworthy event to be overlooked by the media
Ask the question, why is this newsworthy? Who is the intended audience? What do you wish the intended audience to do?
When writing the news release, do as much of the reporters' work as possible. The greater amount of accurate, concise information in the news release generally means better, more accurate usage of the material
Use the inverted pyramidal form of writing the lead paragraph. The most important information comes first, followed by the rest of the story in the who,what,where, when, why and how form in the following paragraphs
Begin the text of the printed release two lines under the title or headline. A dateline, such as Santa Lucia followed by one space, then two hypens ( -- ) and another space. Then begin the news release. Do not indent the first paragraph. The dateline is generally the city originating the EDIS news release, or the location of the event.
Use one space to start all paragraphs except the first, and use one space between sentences.
At the end of the news release type:
```
-- END --
```
Keep sentences clear concise and simple. Avoid agency jargon, if possible. If it must be used, then fully explain the meaning of the words or phrases.
Provide accurate spelling of names, titles addresses and dates.
Use short quotes and always clearly attribute the quote to the proper person or authority.
Highlight any photo opportunities during scheduled events. Photo opportunities should be of general public interest and action-oriented.

EDIS and the Joint Information System

The ability of EDIS to distribute bulletins, news releases and advisories makes it an important part of a joint information system.

The joint information system is really no more than the coordination and verification function that goes into effect when PIO's from various agencies work together on an incident. Its function is to be sure that each agency is releasing the proper information and that there are no "surprises."

Clearly, if PIO's are coordinating and verifying information for news releases, then EDIS is the perfect mechanism for final distribution. It is also valuable for alerting other agencies of breaking events such as evacuations.

EDIS assists with the following functions:

News releases of a routine nature
Fact sheets and advisories to the media
Emergency public information releases
Population direction and control (EBS activation)
Internal communications operations
Joint Information System operations
Joint Information Center operations
Information exchange
Monitoring the quality of information
Flow of internal information

EDIS messages are generally prepared by the PIO during routine times, and by the Information Center Assistant and the Public Protection Information Officer or officers during major events. The Supervisory Information Officer is responsible for establishing these functions during large-scale events.

The communications officer at the OES/EDIS project office can program telephone numbers of various agencies into the EDIS fax function to make such distribution automatic. Those fax numbers should be removed once the operation is terminated.

Program the computer`s telecommunications program to dial the EDIS computer in Sacramento. Settings are 8N1 and instruct the telcom program to transmit a "hard" return with no line feed. A login phrase and password will be issued by the EDIS project officer at OES, Sacramento. Once the telecommunications program has connected, the screen on the computer will look like this:

CONNECT 9600

Welcome to the AT&T UNIX pc Please login: [Type login in lowercase and hit carriage return] Password: [Type password in lower case and hit carriage return]

Would you like to update your password today (y/n): [Type n, then a carriage return]

---------Emergency Digital Information System (CEDIS)---------

Messages released over this system are transmitted directly to the news media and other government centers. Originators are responsible for the content of their own messages. For more information contact the EDIS Project at (916) 262-1600.

TOUCH RETURN (OR ENTER) to continue: [Hit return, then the computer will tell you:]

Sender (Default is: Santa Lucia Fire Department)

>From: [Hit return here. If sending a message for another agency, type agency name here.]

Select Message Classification:

1 - FLASH (IMMEDIATE LIFE-SAFETY ALERTS) 2 - URGENT 3 - NEWS (News Releases) 4 - INFO (Media Advisories, not for broadcast) 5 - TEST

Enter your message. End each line with a carriage return. IMPORTANT NOTE: At the end of your message enter a CONTROL-D on a separate line.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Type or upload your message here. If your message is manually typed, be sure to hit return at the end of each line because EDIS does not have a text wraparound function. Type your message in standard upper and lower case. When the message has been typed or uploaded hit carriage return for a new line and then:

[Press Control D]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

For further information contact: (optional - one line only) [Type your 
name, the telephone number such as 600-861-8000 ext. 268 and hit
return again.]

EDIS will, after a few moments, display your message as you typed it.

Please review your message. The display will pause on each screen-full - touch the SPACE BAR to see the next segment. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Your message will be displayed here. When the screen is filled with the first part of the message, EDIS will instruct you to press the space bar to reveal the rest of the message. It will then ask if it is ``okay to send?`` If it is okay, type y at the prompt and hit return. EDIS will then ask you if you wish to send another message. Type n and hit return. EDIS will then automatically sign you off. A few odd letters and characters will appear on the computer screen.

You may then sign off from the telecommunications program.

The message will appear like this in the newsroom, with EDIS providing the routing information and time. EDIS also inserts the name of the jurisdiction sending the message, and the type of message.

e4162b2bp-
u n News-slfd-edis                             09-28    0092
NEWS RELEASE 
FROM:  Santa Lucia Fire Department

EVACUATED RESIDENTS ALLOWED HOME IN SANTA LUCIA

SANTA LUCIA -- At 12:53 p.m., the Santa Lucia County Health department 
determined that the air quality in the area of the Cassaday Mobile Park had
improved to the point that residents evacuated last night could be allowed 
to return to their homes.

 About 115 residents of the mobile home park north of Santa Lucia were 
evacuated due to dense smoke from the Vogelioni Tire Recycling Center.

 All residents may return to their homes immediately.

                  -- END --

fire8

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Art Botterell 916-262-1600

EDIS-09-28-92 1301 PST

Examples of Actual EDIS Messages

e4308b2bp- u n News-bfd-edis 10-09 0268 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: Berkeley Fire Deparment

TWO ALARM FIRE IN THE BERKELEY HILLS

BERKELEY -- A two-alarm fire did about $400,000 damage to a large home in a steep, hilly section of Berkeley tonight.

The blaze at 58 Panoramic Way was reported at 8:09 p.m. as a fire in a couch. The warm, dry air caused rapid spread of the fire, and upon arrival Lt. Charlie Miller of Berkeley Engine Co. 3 immediately requested a second alarm.

Berkeley Fire Chief Gary L. Cates said, "This fire was in the Mutual Response Area established after the conflagration, and we immediately requested assistance from the Oakland Fire Department. They dispatched two engines and one chief officer to this fire."

The initial dispatch of Berkeley fire equipment was three engines one truck, a chief officer and an ambulance. The second alarm brought two more engines, a rescue squad and a second ambulance.

Chief Cates also said that one engine from Lawrence Livermore Labs also responded to assist Berkeley.

In addition to the Oakland fire equipment, the Oakland Police helicopter was dispatched to act as an aerial observation platform.

Chief Cates also said, "I`ve ordered fire units to stay here on the scene until daybreak to look for hotspots or a possible rekindle. This is a steep, hilly area with thick brush and northeast winds are anticipated tomorrow." The fire also knocked down some power lines which fell into the street. PG&E crews were dispatched to cut them down.

The fire was declared under control at 8:57 p.m.

-- END --

bfd-1

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief Gary Cates, Berkeley Fire Dept. 510-644-6921

EDIS-10-09-92 2152 PDT e4309b2bp- u n News-ofd-edis 10-09 0152 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: Oakland Fire Department

OAKLAND FIRE ASSISTS BERKELEY IN TWO-ALARM HILL FIRE

BERKELEY -- The Oakland fire department dispatched two engine companies and a battalion chief to assist the Berkeley Fire Department at a two-alarm fire in the Berkeley hills tonight.

Capt. Donald Parker of the Oakland fire department said, "The automatic response was dispatched under the Mutual Response Area plan drawn up after the 1991 fire. We were notified immediately of the fire on Panoramic Way and began our response. We also moved other companies to the hill area in case Berkeley requested a third alarm."

Capt. Parker also said, "The fire was contained and extinguished by Berkeley fire fighters who staged an aggressive fire attack. Berkeley also requested the use of the Oakland Police helicopter which was dispatched to watch for any spread of the fire."

--END--

ofd/1 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Capt. Don Parker, PIO Oakland fire dept. 510-444-3322

EDIS-10-09-92 2203 PDT

e4314b2bp- u n News-bfd-edis 10-10 0245 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: Berkeley Fire Deparment

BERKELEY FIRE DEPT. ON HIGH ALERT FOR HILL FIRES

BERKELEY -- Fire Chief Gary L. Cates said roving fire patrols equipped with portable weather kits will take hourly readings in the Berkeley hills today because of a forecast of higher temperatures. Based upon the 11 a.m. readings Berkeley is on high alert and will dispatch extra engines should a fire be reported in the hill area.

Chief Cates said, "These portable kits measure wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity and air temperature. Our fire fighters will be checking conditions at locations in Wildcat Canyon, along Grizzly Peak Blvd., the Panoramic Hill area and Centennial Drive. These areas are of grave concern to us, and the portable weather kits will take micro-climate readings to determine the degree of fire danger."

All 130 Berkeley fire fighters have been trained to operate the weather devices which are worn on the belt. The Berkeley Fire Department purchased five of the $125 kits to augment readings from two permanent weather stations in the East Bay hills.

The roving fire patrols will also take readings in Claremont Canyon and the Alvarado Road areas this afternoon.

Berkeley's fire patrols will be augmented with units from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Fire Department.

The chief also said "all fire departments protecting the hill areas will maintain an open line of communications through this dangerous period."

-- END --

bfd-2

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Berkeley Assistant Chief Paul Burastero 510-644-6768

EDIS-10-10-92 1121 PDT

e4315b2bp- u n News-bfd-edis 10-10 0199 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: Berkeley Fire Deparment

FIRE WATCH CONTINUES AT SCENE OF LAST NIGHT'S HILL FIRE

BERKELEY -- Fire fighters, working in two-hour sifts, continue the fire watch detail in the Berkeley hills where a two-alarm fire did about $400,000 damage to a large home last night.

The blaze at 58 Panoramic Way was reported at 8:09 p.m and was brought under control at 8:57 p.m.

Fire fighters on the watch continue to hose down the debris from last night's fire. Chief Cates said the detail will continue until at least 4 p.m., because of the high fire danger.

The Berkeley Fire Department, at 11 a.m., when to a high dispatch level status because of rising temperatures and falling humidity.

Roving fire patrols equipped with portable weather-measuring devices take readings every hour at select points in the Berkeley hills to measure the fire danger.

-- END --

bfd-2

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Assistant Chief Paul Burastero, Berkeley Fire Dept. 510-644-6768

EDIS-10-10-92 1145 PDT

e4318b2bp- u n News-ofd-edis 10-10 0153 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: Oakland Fire Department

OAKLAND FIRE DEPT. DECLARES HIGH LEVEL DISPATCH ALERT

OAKLAND -- Oakland fire officials this afternoon pre-deployed engine companies to fire stations in and near the Oakland/Berkeley hills because of rising temperatures and falling humidity.

Oakland Fire Capt. Donald Parker said, "We also have at least six fire patrols roving the hills and they will remain on duty there until weather conditions improve, we hope, sometime tonight."

Capt. Parker also said a high level dispatch alert was issued at 11 a.m. This dispatch level calls for the dispatch of six fire engines, four patrol vehicles, and two battalion chief officers to any reports of fire in the hill area.

Personnel at the Oakland Fire Dispatch Center continue to closely monitor data from two weather stations in the East Bay hills for any changes in weather conditions.

-- END --

ofd/2

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Capt. Donald Parker, PIO, 510-444-3322

EDIS-10-10-92 1233 PDT

e0469c2bp- r n sanmat-NEWS RELEASE 10-13 0704 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: San Mateo Operational Area Office of Emergency Services

For Immediate Release

NEW EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SURVEY SHOWS SAN MATEO COUNTY RESIDENTS LONG ON SUPPLIES - SHORT ON TRAINING

REDWOOD CITY -- A new survey suggests that when the next big earthquake happens, people in San Mateo County will have lots of disaster supplies but won't know how to use them.

Local emergency officials say that failure to have an emergency plan is one reason why.

San Mateo County residents are only a little more prepared for disaster today than in 1991. This according to a survey conducted by the San Mateo Operational Area Office of Emergency Services this past summer. The most recent survey suggests that like in 1991, San Mateo County residents are tall on supplies and short on training and emergency planning for their families.

The informal, unscientific survey was conducted over the summer and is a follow-up to a survey done in April, 1991. The results, compared below, reflect only a slight change in the way people are preparing for emergencies. Small gains were reported in the areas of home fire prevention, business emergency planning, and first aid training. Weak areas include family emergency planning and home emergency drills.

Rick Reed, Public Information Officer for the office of emergency services says that, "The floods in the mid-west and urban emergencies like the shooting at 101 California Street have shown us that there is a very practical need for first aid training and emergency planning for home, school and business. We can't count on the cavalry to ride in to rescue us following the next disaster, whether it's an earthquake or a highrise fire.It's up to us to take advantage of available training and prepare so we can help ourselves and others when disasters strike." Only 37% of those responding said they were currently certified in emergency first aid skills.

Reed continued, "We don't expect people to die of hunger or thirst in the next earthquake or other disaster, but people will die of bleeding and broken bones. Every home and office should have a first aid kit (76% have kits). We won't be happy until all have first aid kits and training. Knowing what to do in an emergency and having a plan will save lives." The survey also showed that very few families have disaster plans. The office of emergency services offers a free brochure entitled, Your Family Disaster Plan. Send a self addressed, stamped envelope to:

Disaster Plan Emergency Services Hall of Justice Redwood City, CA 94063-0978

SAN MATEO EMERGENCY SURVEY - 2

Survey results shown indicate the percentage of "yes" answers to questions asked. Here are the results of the 1993 survey compared to 1991:

SUPPLIES 1991 / 1993 1. Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home? 72% / 84% 2. Do you have a first aid kit in your home? 75% / 76% 3. Do you have a first aid kit in your car? 47% / 47% 4. Do you have a portable battery operated radio? 83% / 87% 5. Do you have a flashlight in your home? 98% / 94% 6. Do you have extra batteries on hand? 81% / 83%

READINESS 7. Does your family have an emergency plan? 40% / 38% 8. Have you ever conducted an emergency drill at home? 15%/16% 9. Does your business / job have an emergency plan? 48% / 58% 10. Has your company ever conducted an emergency drill? 37%/42% 11. Does your children's school have an emergency plan? 40%/39% 12. Are you currently certified in First Aid? 17% / 37% 13. Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? 81% / 73% 14. Does your neighborhood have an emergency preparedness group or a neighborhood watch program? 39% / 23%

HOME 15. Is your home secured to its foundation? 64% / 66% 16. Is your water heater strapped to the wall support studs? 66%/63% 17. Have you secured heavy furniture in place? 32% / 40% 18. Have you secured mirrors and pictures to the wall? 42%/41% 19. Do you have child-proof latches on cabinets? 22% / 28%

#################### END #################### 101393 Media Contacts Only: Rick Reed, Public Information Officer (415) 363-4578

EDIS-10-13-93 0803 PDT

The following messagees were transmitted via CLETS to the EDIS computer in Sacramento, which then forwarded it to newsrooms. Confer with the Telcom Chief of your OES region for instructions if you have access to a CLETS terminal.

e0455cFrom r n rom-NEWS RELEASE 10-08 0124 NEWS RELEASE

SHORTLY AFTER 2000 HRS THIS DATE AN EXPLOSION AND FIRE OCCURRED IN A "SPENT ACID TANK" LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE SHELL MARTINEZ COMPLEX. AS OF 2046HRS THIS DATE THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED THERE WERE NO INJURIES, ALL EMPLOYEES ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AND THERE IS NO DANGER TO THE SUROUNDING RESIDENTAL, BUSINESS COMMUNITY. SHELL IS CURRENTLY MONITORING AIR QUALITY DOWN WIND OF THE LOCATION AND COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEATLH PERSONAL ARE RESPONDING. NO PROTECTIVE ACTION BY PERSONS IN THE AREA THE REFINERY IS NECESSARY AT THIS TIME. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT DIANE CALAS SHELL OIL 313- 3232 CHIEF OF POLICE JERRY BOYD/DDA

EDIS-10-08-93 2136 PDT

e0457c2bl- r n MRP-NEWS RELEASE 10-08 0058 NEWS RELEASE

SUPPLEMENT TO THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE. THE INVOLVED TANK WAS A SMALL (1200 BARREL SPENT SULFURIC ACID CONTAINMENT TANK) CONTINUOUS MONITORING BY NUMEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIES, SHELL OIL & U.S. COAST GUARD CONFIRMS THERE IS NO THREAT TO ANYONE IN THE AREA. THE CAN SYSTEM WAS NOT ACTIVATED DUE TO ABSENCE OF DANGER. JERRY BOYD, CHIEF OF POLICE/DDA

EDIS-10-08-93 2212 PDT

More Sample EDIS Messages

e4162b2p- u n Advis-slfd-edis 09-28 0076 NEWS ADVISORY

FROM: Santa Lucia County Public Health Department

TELEPHONE HOTLINE ESTABLISHED FOR TIRE SMOKE HEALTH QUESTIONS

The Santa Lucia County Public Health Department has established a special telephone hotline to give information to the public on health-related issues regarding smoke from the Vogelioni Tire Recycling Center fire near Central City.

The number is Area Code 600-576-4791

Santa Lucia County Public Health Director Cheryl Yount stresses that this number is for health information only.

-- END --

fire4

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Manning 600-484-3900

EDIS-09-28-92 2342 PST

e4159a2bp- f n FLASH-slfd-edis 09-27 0151

FROM: Santa Lucia Fire Department

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED EVACUATION ORDERED BECAUSE OF MAJOR TIRE FIRE

ATTENTION PEOPLE NEAR THE CASSADAY MOBILE HOME PARK. AN EVACUATION HAS BEEN ORDERED BECAUSE OF TOXIC SMOKE. AN EVACUATION CENTER HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AT THE SANTA LUCIA COUNTY VETERAN'S BUILDING. PLEASE LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY.

-- END --

fire2

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Manning at 600-484-3900

EDIS-09-27-92 2342 PST

e4162b2p- u n Advis-slfd-edis 09-28 0076 NEWS ADVISORY

FROM: Santa Lucia Fire Department

ADVISORY

MEDIA ASSEMBLY AREA ESTABLISHED FOR FIRE

EDITORS: A media assembly area has been established near the Cassaday Mobile Park. It is at the Guerin Mall on Botterell Ave. The cross-street is Montane Lane. There is parking for satellite trucks and live vans at the shopping mall.

Public Information Officers will be there to assist you in setting up liveshots for the 10 p.m. shows. A briefing will be held at 9:45 to give the latest update for the top of the shows. A PIO is also located at the evacuation center at the Veteran's Building. The Incident Commander will be available at exactly 10 p.m., for about 10 minutes, for a live Q and A update.

NOT FOR BROADCAST: A PIO telephone number has been established at the command post for media calls. The number is 600-864-6762.

Another update will be issued via EDIS at about 10 p.m.

-- END --

fire10

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard A. Rudman, PIO, 600-484-3900

EDIS-09-28-92 2342 PST u n News-slfd-edis 10-04 0092 NEWS RELEASE FROM: Santa Lucia Fire Department

SANTA LUCIA OBSERVES FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

CENTRAL CITY - The Santa Lucia Fire Department invites the community to observe Fire Prevention Week, October 4 - 10, 1993, which is also the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Santa Lucia observances Saturday, October 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at Northside Park. The Fire Department will provide fire safety information and display antique and modern fire fighting equipment.

A demonstration of the new aerial water tower will begin at 5 p.m., and continue until 6:15 p.m.

The Santa Lucia Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association would like to remind you that properly installed and maintained smoke detectors are considered one of the best and least expensive means of providing early warning when a fire breaks out. Smoke detectors have saved countless lives, prevented injuries and minimized property damage by helping residents detect fires early.

-- END --

SLFD RELEASE 1

Contact: Donald E. Root 916-555-1212 or Rich Rudman 916-555-6969

EDIS-10-04-93 1622 PST u n News-oes-edis 10-06 0090 NEWS RELEASE FROM: Governor's Office of Emergency Services

65 MORE FIRE ENGINES SENT TO BLUE WATER FIRE

SANTA LUCIA - Sixty-five OES and local government fire engines from Lober, Green and Stramford counties are now on the fire lines in Blue Water, dispatched by the Columbia State Office of Emergency Services through the Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. These engines will assist U.S. Forest Service, Columbia Department of Forestry (CDF) and regional crews battle the 11,000-acre Blue Water fire.

More than 1,200 local government fire agencies are partners in the Columbia Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. The system puts fire departments throughout the state on call to help each other during emergencies.

NOTE TO THE MEDIA: As more teams are requested, COES public information officers will attempt to alert you as early as possible so you can cover strike teams rolling out of stations in your area.

-- END --

Release No. 26

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Mullins 600-555-1212.

EDIS-10-06-93 1411 PST

u n test-laceoc-edis 10-30 0021 TEST MESSAGE

FROM: The Los Angeles County EOC

THIS IS A TEST FOR KABC-TV, KCBS-TV, KNBC-TV AND KTLA MASTER CONTROL OF THE EBS ACTIVATION SYSTEM AT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY EOC. ALL OTHER STATIONS DISREGARD.

-- END --

EDIS-10-30-93 1202 PST u n news-arc-edis 11-10 0088 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: SANTA LUCIA RED CROSS

SANTA LUCIA EARTHQAKE RELIEF ACTIVITIES AS OF CLOSE OF BUSINESS OCTOBER 2

SANTA LUCIA -- The American Red Cross released the earthquake relief activities as of close of business Oct. 2.

HELP FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS: The American Red Cross is operating 13 service centers the state of California. Caseworkers have met with 6,340 families to determine their disaster related needs. Assistance may include food and groceries, new clothing, health services, emergency home repairs and home furnishings.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT: Red Cross workers have determined through street surveys that 7,561 homes have been damaged by the earthquake. Of those, 59 percent were destroyed or suffered major damage.

FEEDING OPERATIONS: To date, 353,471 meals have been served in Santa Lucia County to earthquake survivors. On Thursday, 8,083 meals were served in cooperation with the Santa Lucia Baptists and Christian Disaster Response. Meals are served from three fixed feeding sites and 27 vehicles.

HEALTH SERVICES: Red Cross health services personnel are at Red Cross service centers and shelters. Mental health staff have met with 6,445 families and individuals.

SHELTER: One Red Cross shelter remains open with 222 residents at the Truman Elementary School in Santa Lucia.

STAFFING: To date, 983 volunteers from the local Red Cross chapters in Columbia have played an integral part in this relief operation; and 422 Red Cross disaster workers from across the United States, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, Canada, and Mexico have supported the local relief operation.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: Earthquake victim hotline: 800/498-0755, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Operators speak English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Red Cross volunteer line: 916/555-6687. Financial Contributions: 800/842-2200, Spanish: 800/257-7575. -- END --

arc-23

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: MEDIA ONLY: American Red Cross, Santa Lucia 600-555-3333 EDIS-11-10-93 1321 PST u n news-slfd-edis 10-21 0055 NEWS RELEASE

FROM: Santa Lucia Fire Department

SANTA LUCIA FIRE SITUATION SUMMARY AS OF 7:30 A.M. OCTOBER 21, 1993

SANTA LUCIA -- Here is the latest update on the Santa Lucia Canyon fire as of 7:30 a.m., October 21, 1993.

LOCATION: A fire storm swept through the exclusive Santa Lucia Canyon residential area. The fire of unknown origin was fanned by hot, dry winds.

CURRENT STATUS: Damages: Mayor Clyde Campbell of Santa Lucia, at 7 a.m., estimated the total area burned as 1,250 acres. The estimate has been reduced from an earlier figure of 1,700 acres.

According to Fire Chief Donald R. Parker, the fire has been divided into three main areas. One is ten percent contained; the other two are still out of control. An estimated 1,000 structures have been destroyed.

He estimates the damage at $1 billion.

Santa Lucia County Public Works personnel will survey the damaged area this morning to begin a more accurate count of homes, and will assist the National Guard in searching for victims.

CASUALTIES: The Santa Lucia County coroner, Boyd Stephens, reports 10 fatalities. There are 148 persons reported injured.

EVACUATIONS: An estimated 5,000 persons have been evacuated from the fire area. Two Red Cross evacuation centers have been set up and continue to provide shelter. The sites -- all in Santa Lucia -- are:

Santa Lucia High School Truman Elementary School

Support for firefighters and other personnel was being provided by the Red Cross and Salvation Army at the Santa Lucia County Coliseum staging area.

STATUS OF RESPONSE: Sixty-two strike teams have been requested (a strike team is composed of five engines). More than 370 fire units and more than 1,000 fire personnel are on the lines. One hundred Santa Lucia County Sheriff's personnel are in the fire area, augmented by 30 National Guard military police units sent by the governor.

STATUS OF UTILITIES: The water company reports that most damage has been repaired, but asks residents to conserve water to maintain pressure for fire fighting purposes. The electric company reports 7,800 customers are without power, and the gas company reports 8,000 customers are without gas.Residents are asked to conserve electricity because of damage to transmission lines from the Santa Lucia Nuclear Power Plant. The plant is not in danger.

STATUS OF PROCLAMATIONS: The city of Santa Lucia and Santa Lucia County declared local emergencies and the governor has proclaimed a state of emergency. Damage assessment teams will be in the field in the morning.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Art Botterell, Santa Lucia Fire Department, 600-555-3434

EDIS-10-21-93 1123 PST

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