As the world grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the importance of preparedness and proactive measures cannot be overstated. For many years California has been battling an intense drought. Finally we are getting the rain that is much needed, but as with any atmospheric event, there comes the challenges.

In a media briefing on December 7, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a diverse panel of experts to shed light on the significance of readiness in the face of extreme winter weather.

Speakers

storm safety
(EMS)
  • Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Assistant Director, Crisis Communication & Public Affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services 
  • Bianca Feldkircher, Meteorologist from the National Weather Service’s Western Region Headquarters 
  • Jazmin Ortega, Deputy Press Secretary with the California Department of Insurance 
  • Alf LaMont, CEO and Chief Digital Strategist, LaMont Digital 

Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Assistant Director of Crisis Communications and Public Affairs at Cal OES, emphasized the critical need for families to have a well-thought-out emergency plan in place. She highlighted the importance of communication and coordination within families, stating, “Some people may be at school or at work, so where are all of you going to meet in case of an emergency?” 

This underscores the necessity of establishing designated meeting points and discussing essential items to be gathered in a go bag or box, including food, water, medication, and important documents. Her insights serve as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role that preparedness plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities in the event of a crisis.

Bianca Feldkircher, a meteorologist from NWS, captivated the audience with her in-depth analysis of the El Niño weather pattern phenomenon. She provided a comprehensive explanation of the implications of this weather pattern, offering valuable insights into the forecast and timeline of potential weather events. 

Her presentation not only showcased the significance of understanding weather patterns but also underscored the importance of leveraging meteorological knowledge to anticipate and prepare for extreme weather conditions. “You can even see, if you want to dive deeper, you could see those images that I was showing that showed what the total precipitation was for each La Niña year,” she expressed, emphasizing the wealth of information available to the public.

Jazmín Ortega, Deputy Press Secretary at CDI, brought a unique perspective to the briefing by highlighting the role of the California Department of Insurance in supporting consumers during weather-related emergencies. She emphasized the department’s commitment to assisting consumers with insurance-related queries and the process of filing insurance claims in the aftermath of winter storms.

“In case of an emergency where they need to file an insurance claim, we can help consumers,” Ortega affirmed. Her insights shed light on the pivotal role of insurance agencies in providing support and guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of insurance policies during challenging times.

Alf LaMont, an expert in disaster preparedness, contributed valuable insights on the extensive range of resources available to individuals and communities to confront the challenges posed by extreme winter weather. His emphasis on proactive measures and preparedness resonated strongly, as he underscored the importance of being equipped to face and overcome the aftermath of such events.

“To confront these challenges ahead of time when disaster strikes and after such events as well,” LaMont emphasized, highlighting the proactive approach necessary to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

The briefing served as a compelling platform for experts to convey crucial information and insights, emphasizing the significance of preparedness, proactive measures, and the utilization of available resources to navigate the challenges posed by extreme winter weather. 

The diverse perspectives and expertise shared by the panelists underscored the multifaceted nature of preparedness and the collaborative efforts required to ensure the safety and resilience of individuals and communities in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the media briefing provided a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the importance of preparedness in the context of extreme winter weather. The contributions of the esteemed panelists served as a powerful reminder of the critical role of proactive measures, effective communication, and the utilization of available resources in safeguarding individuals and communities from the impact of extreme weather events. 

As the world continues to battle the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the insights shared during the briefing serve as a beacon of guidance, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace preparedness as a cornerstone of resilience in the face of adversity.