When a major disaster strikes anywhere in the world, DOTmed is concerned. With our registered users worldwide fast approaching 100,000 there are always people we know who could be affected. We are saddened that 1,400 homes are lost and, as of this writing, the fires are not yet contained. But let's hope the worst is over.

Fortunately, reports from the field in Southern California this week reflect business optimism in the face of fires engulfing the rural hills and encroaching on developed areas. DOTmed Users, most of whom serve national and international customers and not just regional clients, report business mostly as usual.

Davis Medical Electronics is in Vista, CA, not far from the largest fire, the Witch Fire that destroyed 500 homes and 100 businesses. Fortunately, Davis Medical Electronics was spared, although they were impacted.
"We're definitely affected. I just got back into the office [Wednesday]. I was evacuated from my home," said IT Director Brian Hibbits. The business experienced a power failure and closed early on Monday but reopened Tuesday, staffed by a skeleton crew since some employees had to deal with evacuations, finding hotels rooms, and a tough commute even by California standards. The staff was able to remain in touch through cell phones and Internet and their large inventory of cardiology equipment and supplies is safe and sound.

"[The fire] seemed to hit our area first then moved away so we're not in any imminent danger," Hibbits said. His house made it through with minor soot and a smoky smell. "It could be a lot worse," he said.

Their next priority is making sure customer physicians and clinics are okay. The company also wants to help people out. "We are working on a plan to donate respirator masks [to the public] due to the air quality," Hibbits said.

Meanwhile, other companies fared surprisingly well. "We're not really experiencing any sort of business interruption," said Kristen Kennebeck of ProMed Parts, located on the border of Los Angeles and Orange counties. "There are some [problems] but business as a whole has not been changed." She noted that a couple of staff members live in harm's way but the company is not in danger.

"Our service technicians are all out in the field and working as normal. One of our field service reps is affected who lives in Irvine and hoses down his roof before going on service calls.... Many schools are closed so we are making special dispensation for our employees."

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