RIDGECREST, Calif. — The Kern County Fire Department held a press conference on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. to bring the public up to speed on where the earthquake recovery stands.
As the communities of Ridgecrest, Trona and surrounding areas continue to recover from a series of quakes, KCFD and Ridgecrest authorities provided an update of what has gone on in the community as well what is planned moving forward.
Ridgecrest Police Chief Jed McLaughlin said that all roads and sidewalks have been inspected and are in good condition. In addition, the water system and the wastewater treatment system are both fully operational and no boil orders were issued.
Sunday evening at 4:00 p.m. representatives of various support agencies will be holding a town hall meeting in Ridgecrest at the Kerr McGee Community Center to discuss what is now needed in the recovery process. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions or make comments about current efforts.
In addition, McLaughlin said that spiritual and professional representatives will be there to help residents "get back to a normal life."
Chief McLaughlin also went on to thank all the agencies that provided support during the recovery effort.
Kern County Fire Department Battalion Chief Dionisio Mitchell announced that they would begin to transitioning operations down with fire crews returning to their home stations. However, he did say that over 100 special operations members, who had come to Ridgecrest in support of earthquake efforts, will remain in place until further notice.
Kern County Fire Department Public Information Officer Andrew Freeborn emphasized to the public that now is the time to put together a disaster plan, rahter than waiting for one to hit. He recommended that people reach out to their local fire departments to find out what they should consider when putting together a plan.
In closing Chief McLaughlin thanked the media for their coverage of the disaster. He said that the press provided information to not only the community, but the world, and he said the press was a huge asset to the community.
