As flames engulfed the hills of Highland during the recent Line Fire, the Inland Regional Center’s (IRC) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) jumped into action. For days, the EOC, led by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Incident Command (IC) Team of Dr. CJ Cook, Marc Rinebolt, and Kurtis Franklin, worked tirelessly around the clock, ensuring the safety and well-being of IRC clients, staff, and vendors impacted by the fire.

In addition to the Line Fire, IRC’s EOC responded to the Bridge Fire and Airport Fire, further intensifying the challenges faced by the community. These simultaneous emergencies tested the resilience and coordination of IRC’s emergency response systems, with multiple evacuation orders impacting our clients. These fires forced several IRC vendors to evacuate their facilities while ensuring the safety and care of those they serve, showcasing their dedication under difficult circumstances.

The coordinated effort between IRC’s Quality Assurance Team, IRC EOC IC, vendors, and local authorities during these three disasters underscored the importance of preparedness, communication, and collaboration in unexpected challenges.

During this critical period, IRC reaffirmed its commitment to client safety by successfully securing hotel placements for several medically fragile clients whose complex care needs made it difficult to integrate into traditional disaster shelters. These accommodations were arranged through In-Roads Creative Programs and Pathways Inc., ensuring displaced clients received the appropriate care and support they required.

The Power of Everbridge: Keeping the Community Informed

A key component of IRC’s response to the Line Fire, Bridge Fire, and Airport Fire was the use of the Everbridge mass notification system. Everbridge is a vital tool in IRC’s emergency communication strategy, allowing real-time alerts and updates to be sent directly to clients, staff, and vendors. During these fires, Everbridge played a crucial role in keeping everyone informed and prepared, with notifications ranging from evacuation orders to shelter locations and safety tips.

This system has become an indispensable resource, especially during fast-moving emergencies like wildfires. By using Everbridge, IRC can reach thousands of people within minutes, helping to save lives and reduce confusion in critical moments.

Here is a video on Everbridge: Everbridge (youtube.com)

Check out these blog posts:

• Preparing for the Upcoming Fire Season: A Critical Guide for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
• Disaster Preparedness Focus Group Report
• Do You Know? Inland Regional Center’s Emergency Operations Center

Please note that IRC clients, vendors, and staff are automatically enrolled in the Everbridge Mass Notification System. We strongly encourage all clients, vendors, and parents to keep their contact information up to date with their assigned Consumer Services Coordinator (CSC) to ensure timely communication.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on these events, several critical lessons emerge:

1. Preparedness is Key: Evacuations were made smoother because IRC has been proactive in preparing staff, clients, and vendors for emergencies. These fires reinforced the need for everyone in our community to remain ready for natural disasters. Having an emergency plan in place and understanding how to act in such situations is essential.
2. Communication is Vital: One of the biggest challenges during emergencies is maintaining clear communication. The IRC EOC’s efforts to maintain real-time updates and keep everyone informed were essential to the success of these operations.
3. Training Saves Lives: EOC Incident Command members received specialized training and certification to develop the essential skills and knowledge required to manage and respond effectively to both natural and man-made disasters. The training covered a wide range of topics, including disaster response protocols, communication strategies, resource coordination, and safety procedures. Participants were trained to operate within the Incident Command System (ICS), a standardized framework for incident management that ensured coordinated efforts across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

Moving Forward: Be Prepared

The Line Fire, Bridge Fire, and Airport Fire are reminders that disasters can strike at any time. As a community, we must remain vigilant and prepared. IRC offers regular emergency preparedness training for staff, vendors, and families. These training courses equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate emergencies effectively.

We strongly encourage everyone in the IRC community to seek out and attend these trainings when offered. By staying ready, informed, and connected, we can ensure the safety of all in our community.

In the aftermath of these fires, our hearts go out to those displaced or affected. We are proud of the IRC community’s resilience and commitment to one another during this challenging time.

Posted by:

Dr. CJ Cook, DBA

As Program Administrator, CJ is responsible for the proactive oversight of various units within IRC, including Community Management, Service Access and Equity, and Training and Development. CJ's oversight extends to Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), equity in the Purchase of Service (POS), and the National Core Indicator (NCI) project. Furthermore, CJ is tasked with managing the IRC's Performance Contract with DDS and overseeing Emergency Services.