I’ve been following the news of the fires in Southern California for the past few days.
I have family in the Ontario/San Bernardino area, and I’ve sent an email to my cousin (haven’t heard back yet). I’m pretty sure they’re safe, but one of my cousins is in law enforcement so even if his home and family are safe I’m sure he’s in the thick of it.
A new Twitter friend Queen of Spain is practically surrounded by fires but safe at home for now, twittering updates. The LAFD and San Diego PBS station are also on Twitter. They’re using it to broadcast updates for residents. A Twitter member can add these accounts and get the updates via the web or SMS. It’s a fantastic way to keep people who opt in informed.
Wired.com has a story about how some other Twitter users are sending updates.
It looks like communications, especially in the San Diego area, are breaking down, and to me that’s the scariest effect of a disaster, the inability to stay in touch with family and friends. My thoughts are with everyone affected!
(edit- heard from my cousin all are ok.)
