Orange County Fire Watch volunteer program has gone digital – allowing more people to monitor fire dangers from their own homes.
According to the fire watch manager Tony Pointer, while they still have volunteers to deploy in the field, this allows their volunteers to monitor devices if they need to stay behind at home. By keeping a keen eye out, they can be early reporters and visual deterrents for some of the purposeful and accidental activities.
Before COVID-19 happened, they dispatched to around 36 different areas across Orange County. Now, they’re using technology they have had for the past two years to meet the requirements of volunteers that need to stay at home.
These volunteers use Alert Wildfire, a public portal which uses cameras from various utility companies. It can be used on any device, from a big monitor connected to a desktop computer, to a phone or tablet.
Just like fire lookout towers, they scan the area. From a camera, they can report anomalies.
Orange County Fire Watch is handled by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. This is in partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority, the cities of Newport and Irvine Beach and OC Parks. They are all hoping to utilize this model to prevent some of the disasters they have experienced before.
What’s the reason behind the ever-increasing wildfires in California? How can we extend help to California’s Wildfire Victims?
Climate change is a huge factor in the ever-increasing California wildfires. With another devastating fire season on the way, several residents are already preparing to help themselves and their community.
- Donate money.
Making a monetary contribution to a nonprofit organization that is helping wildfire victims is typically the best way to make sure that your donation will be used properly. The flexibility of a financial donation lets responders decide what is the most needed item at any given moment.
- Volunteer your expertise and time.
Lots of non-profit organizations are accepting applications from volunteers.
- Donate food.
Donate non-perishable food products to people and organizations assisting individuals and families affected by wildfires.
- Adopt or foster a pet.
Just as us humans are being displaced by wildfires, so too are animals like cats and dogs. Whether it’s because their owners are in temporary shelters where animals are not allowed, or they’ve been separated, hundreds of homeless pets are arriving at California shelters every single day.
- Open up your home to wildfire victims.
Airbnb is encouraging more people to open up their homes and properties to victims, while they contemplate on long-term living arrangements.
If you’re interested in reading more about retired professionals and students joining the health workforce, click here.
