Crisis Management Best Practices: Fires, Floods, Landslides, and Debris Flows

Communities have long experienced fires and extreme weather, including rains leading to floods and debris flows. In the modern era, with development stretching further into the urban-wildland interface, more communities will be forced to respond to these natural disasters. There are practical steps attorneys can take before, during, and after disasters to prepare, to respond, and to mitigate damages. This course focuses on recent disasters in California as well as the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss the unique and critical role that legal advisors can play in responding to emergencies.


Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the governing body's emergency and non-emergency powers to respond to active/emergent events, including potential legal challenges to action

2. Prepare communication plans and strategies for crisis management, including with the public and the media

3. Identify key steps to take before, during, and after a disaster to minimize liability and maximize potential recovery of reimbursement for response costs

4. Discuss recent natural disasters including the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the entire country and as well, in California, the Porter Ranch methane leak, various wildfires including Thomas Fire and companion Montecito Debris Flow