Topanga Canyon is beautiful and pristine. It’s also isolated, remote and prone to natural disasters.
Back in 1993, an enormous wildfire roared through the canyon, destroying hundreds of homes and killing three people. When the smoke cleared, a small, concerned group of Topanga residents decided to organize a disaster response network. Called the Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness (T-CEP), the group has grown to 150 volunteers and now boasts an emergency communications center, a disaster survival guide, and regular drills. They’ve worked with Los Angeles County to come up with a comprehensive plan that hinges upon community involvement. That model seems so effective that it will soon be a blueprint for other unincorporated communities throughout the county, and possibly the state.
October 6th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Who is paying for the fairly sophisticated equipment and publications of the Topanga Canyon Residents Assn.?
Are copies of their emergency information booklet available to people who live out of area?
Thanks!
October 11th, 2006 at 10:57 am
To
T-CEP is very thankful for your report. It was factual and needed.
In response to the previous question. The equipment(Ham radios and communication) that appeared on the show was purchased from donations raised by the volunteers from the people in Topanga. T-CEP is a non-profit 501c3 organization.Fundraising and grants are our source of income. T-CEP has no paid staff.
The Topanga Survival Guide was published by Los Angeles County as a pilot project.
To get an additional copy you need to contact Surervisor Yaroslavskys field office in Calabasas.