Roundup: “Thank You!”

Thanks also to those folks who provided feedback around our reporting on the recent storm and area power outages. We were able to use our new software that allows us to put out messages in both English and Spanish. Some of you don’t love the automated sounding voices, but others were so grateful to get the information in both languages. Let us know what you think.

We also got some feedback around the specificity of the information that was broadcasted, as well as the frequency of those messages. Please understand that KWMR does not generally go out and report on conditions, we get all of our information from verified sites and directly from PG&E’s maps and other publicly accessible sources and first responders.

When a storm has great intensity, like this last system, with the very high winds, and heavy rainfall along with King Tides, there are a great deal of incidents happening all at once, and it can be hard to get the information. I received calls from folks asking how they could find out which specific roads were closed, and I asked them to let me know when they figured that out!

During a power outage that is likely longer in duration and during sustained heavy rainfall, we can all count on the usual places to puddle up and get to flood stage. When soils are saturated and it’s very windy, we can also expect to have downed trees. Your best bet, if at all possible, is to stay off the roadways during the most intense times during these storms.

KWMR has noticed recently that social media sites are not always the best way to get timely information. Unless you are seeking out the source of information directly on a site, you may see some posts days, or maybe even weeks later in your feed. (Due to each platform’s unique algorithm, not all posts are shown chronologically.) This can cause alarm if the incident is no longer happening, and perhaps you are out of the area and not keenly aware of local conditions. KWMR is backing away from updating social media posts due to these phenomena. We also recognize that not everyone is on social media.

When Twitter was “Twitter” and local agencies could update incidents using that platform, and it was able to be embedded in a web page, that worked well, but with X, that is no longer an option. Updating several disparate social media platforms is a lot of work.

We are working on setting up an “opt in” text option for folks who are interested. This is something that we can do with our new database (silver lining!). While we are still figuring out the specifics of this text option, it will likely be updated only when information actually is updated and changed, even though KWMR will repeat information every 30 minutes on the airwaves, at the top and bottom of each hour.

Would you “opt in” for a text message from KWMR such as this? Let us know HERE.

Rest assured, if there is a scenario that would warrant more frequent on-air notifications, such as a rapidly evolving situation, or a more serious emergency, KWMR will do our best* to bring you information as frequently as is necessary.

Power out during a forecasted storm is something that while not “normal” is not extraordinary. When I saw that many communities in eastern Marin were out of power I assumed it would take longer to get West Marin back up and running. Our area does not have the population density of other parts of the county, and thus, are a lower priority. When it becomes a triage scenario for the utilities and other responders, they make those calls.

In these situations, where the rubber meets the road (or maybe should just stay in your driveway while you ride out the storm) the usual information applies. Make sure your devices are charged, you have a flashlight or two on hand, you have a “stay box” for situations where you shelter in place, and a way to tune in to KWMR for information at the top and bottom of the hour, and more frequently if warranted. Remember, in a pinch, your car might have just the radio you are looking for. 

We think about this stuff all the time at KWMR. We discuss it at staff meetings, play devil’s advocate, and then try to come up with a better method, in an ever evolving communication universe. This type of broadcasting really hits each of the values listed above. KWMR keeps the community connected, provides emergency updates, and we do this on the airwaves along with our other on-air programming.

Happy New Year to everyone!!

Amanda Eichstaedt
Station Manager and Executive Director

*When we say we will do our best, we mean it. We take this very seriously. We also know that we cannot predict everything. Thank you for understanding.