The report states: "The governance structure developed by the Orange County UA can serve as a model for other jurisdictions based on its breadth of local and state participation, frequency of meetings and reviews, and ability to address near-term needs and long-term interoperability goals."
The assessment also recognizes Orange County's clear authority flow for interoperable communications decisions, which is inclusive of all local first responder organizations.
While the report reinforces that Orange County's first responders are some of the most prepared professionals in the nation, it takes more than fire, police and emergency professionals to be ready. Residents and businesses are encouraged to do their part to be prepared, aware and involved. Anaheim, Santa Ana and the Orange County Sheriff's Department created a public education campaign, ReadyOC, aimed at informing businesses and residents about the importance of preparing for any kind of natural, health or man-made disaster.
Since 2004, the Anaheim Urban Area has received approximately $29 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). The City has used part of this funding to implement an Enterprise Virtual Operations Center (EVOC). The EVOC operates as a daily tool for helping public safety first responders and key City decision-makers use technology to reduce the impact of, respond to and recover from every day incidents, natural disasters and life-threatening emergencies.
