Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.4 HomelandSec/EmerPrep CITY CLERK File# AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: April 15, 2003 SUBJECT: Presentation by Police Services on Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness Report Prepared by: Gary L. Thuman, Police Chief ATTACHMENTS: 1) Emergency Preparation and Planning Information RECOMMENDATION: ~ Receive and Accept Police Services Staff Presentation FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None DESCRIPTION: In response to ctm:ent world events, and in order to better inform and educate the community about homeland security and emergency preparedness issues, Staff has prepared the following report which highlights the City's emergency plans and response procedures as well as how businesses, families and individuals can prepare for any emergency. The City of Dublin has taken pro-active measures to ensure the continued safety of those living and working in the City. Fire, Police, Public Works, and Disaster Preparedness Staff have all been actively involved in planning and preparing for any emergency situation that may arise. The City's first responders receive on-going training in many emergency response scenarios, both natural (earthquakes, floods, fire etc.) and man-made (terrorism, hazardous materials, explosives etc.). The City is currently in the process of updating its Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) to improve the City's communications and emergency response procedures including responding to the threats of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. The EOP is put into practice through various disaster exercises involving City Staff and other agencies such as the Dublin Unified School District and Dublin San Ramon Services District. Additionally, the City has contracted with Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters (CARD) to help prepare the City's "special needs" population by training local non-profit organizations and community groups. Despite these preparations, it is imperative that Dublin residents be adequately prepared to manage the first 72 hours of a situation independently. In a large event, emergency responders will not be available to respond to every incident. Priority will be given to life threatening injuries first. The more the community is prepared, the more effective the City's response will be. COPIES TO: H/cc-forms/agdastmt.doc Some of the things that should be done to prepare for emergencies, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are important differences among potential terrorist threats that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. With a little planning and common sense, residents can be better prepared for the unexpected. The attached presentation, which is also available on the City's website, provides the community with practical information that will help ensure their safety in any emergency. RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends that the Council receive and accept Police Services Staff presentation Emergency Preparation and Planning Information Emergencies seldom occur, however, your City public safety officials are prepared and ready when they do. The question is are you? To be prepared one must be informed, ready and alert. It is important that should an emergency occur that you listen, follow instructions and remain calm. An emergency is any event that presents an immediate threat to people or property. With natural and industrial hazards as well as national security concerns, it is important to be prepared so the impact of any emergency is as small as possible. Examples of emergencies the City prepares for include fire, earthquake, gas leak, hazardous chemical release, radiation release, biological threat, and explosions. City and County officials, in partnership with local industry and Federal agencies have plans, equipment, communication systems and trained experts to respond to all of these emergencies. Despite these preparations, it is imperative that Dublin residents be adequately prepared to manage the first 72 hours of a situation independently. For those first three days it will be incumbent upon you to be self-sufficient and have the necessary supplies to sustain yourselves, as response resources will assist the most critically impacted first. As a part of your continued safety, all residents should begin a process of learning about potential threats so you are better prepared to react during a critical situation. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances might be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your family. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are important differences among potential terrorist threats that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected. Make a Kit of Emergency Supplies Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, possibly longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about water and food. Consider putting together two kits. In one, put everything needed to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to leave home. You need a gallon of water per person per day. Include in the kits canned and dried foods that are easy to store and prepare. Start now by gathering basic emergency supplies - a flashlight, a battery powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, toilet articles, prescription medicines, etc. Many potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic particles into the air, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination. It's smart to have something for each member of the family that covers their mouth and nose, such as filter masks, readily available in hardware stores. Layers of cotton, such as a handkerchief or towel could also be used. Also, include duct tape and heavyweight plastic sheeting that can be used to seal xvindows and doors to create a barrier between yourself and potential contamination outside. ATTACHMENT 1 Make a Plan for What You Will Do in an Emergency Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your family. Depending on the circumstances, the first important decision is deciding whether to stay or go. Develop a plan for both possibilities. Officials will direct you to tune to your local television/radio station for important information, e.g., KCBS (AM 740). Additionally, the City of Dublin has an automated telephone dialing system that will call homes and businesses affected by an emergency and provide critical information. Do not call 911 to receive instructions or report minor incidents. Leave telephone lines free for official emergency use only. Develop a Family Communications Plan: Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. Staying Put: There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as "shelter-in-place," can be a matter of survival. Choose an interior room or one with as few windows and doors as possible. Consider precutting plastic sheeting to seal windows, doors and air vents. In most situations, staying at home ~vill be the safest course of action. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if authorities say the air is contaminated, you may want to "shelter-in-place." Quickly close doors, windows, air vents and fireplace dampers and turn off air conditioning/heating systems, exhaust fans and clothes dryers. Getting Away: Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options. Always keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle. Take you emergency kit with you. If you believe the air is contaminated, ensure that your windows and vents are closed and that your heating and air conditioning systems are off. At Work and School: Think about places where your family spends time: school, work, child/day care and other places you frequent. Talk to your children's school and your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. This is a brief overview about planning for a critical situation. Considerably more information is available through various web sites. One such web site is from the Department of Homeland Security www. ready, gov/where you can obtain very detailed and helpful information regarding this subject. An additional resource is the City of Dublin's website, www. ci. dublin, ca. us.