Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 EvacPreparedness . . . CITY CLERK File # D~J2J~-(jJj AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 4, 1997 SUBJECT: Evaluation of Dublin's Neighborhood Preparedness Program Report Prepared by: Dean A. Johnson, Community Safety Assistant EXHIBITS A TT ACHED: None RECOMMENDATION: ,]V'" Authorize Staff to continue the City's Existing Multi-Faceted /'Jill' Disaster Preparedness Program, and work with Alameda ~ County Fire Department to initiate the Neighborhood Emergency Team Program. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Costs associated with this program are included in the adopted Fiscal Year 1996-97 budget. DESCRIPTION: On February 21, 1996, the City Council adopted Goals and Objectives for 1996. Included among these goals is to assess the City's efforts to prepare its residents for disasters. The City currently provides a comprehensive program of disaster preparedness. During the twenty-four (24) hour period immediately following a disaster, City staff will respond by opening its Emergency Operating Center, activating emergency shelters and attempting to restore crucial services. However, experience with recent disasters in the State, indicates that residents need to be prepared to provide for their own care for up to seventy-two (72) hours after an incident. Neighborhood Preparedness Program In the event of a disaster, members of the community must be self-sufficient until emergency services become available. For planning purposes, this transitional time period is traditionally estimated at seventy-two (72) hours. To assist residents in preparing for this period, the City efforts in the past have focused on earthquake preparedness. A flyer is mailed to every Dublin postal customer. This is done in April, to support the State Office of Emergency Service "April -- Earthquake Preparedness Month" campaign. The flyer contains a checklist of equipment and supplies that should be stored, and tips on reducing earthquake hazards in homes. Additionally, City staff currently provide disaster preparedness training to residents and community groups, when requested, in conjUnction with the City's Neighborhood Watch Program. . ITEM NO. .iJ. 2 In 1993 and 1994, the City offered, as a pilot program, a comprehensive "Neighborhood Self-Help Earthquake Preparedness Program." This program consisted of four (4) evening sessions on various topics relevant to disaster preparedness. Although this service was well publicized (press releases, . radio announcements, CTV announcements, flyers posted around the community, and an advertisement in the City's Recreation brochure), attendance at the workshops averaged only twelve (12) Dublin residents. Because of the lack of interest by the community and the large amount of staff time required to coordinate, the program was discontinued and staff resources directed into more effective programs. Alameda County Fire Department On November 4, 1996, the Dublin City Council selected Alameda County as its preferred fire service provider. Pending successful contract negotiations, Alameda County Fire Department will commence service to the City of Dublin on July I, 1997. Included in the County's proposal is a provision for Neighborhood Emergency Team Program (NET) services. The County's program trains citizens throughout the community to assist in the event of a disaster. NET classes are conducted in small groups at times and locations convenient to the students. Upon completion of the course, graduates are issued appropriate safety equipment (gloves, helmet and vests). Further, graduates are invited to participate in periodic disaster drills. To date, the County has trained over 300 citizens. The 10-hour basic training course includes the following components: Basic First Aid F ire Extinguisher use Search & Rescue . Building Triage Utilities Control Hazardous Materials Recognition City staff have met with the Alameda County Fire Department Fire Marshal, James Ferdinand, and the Alameda County Fire Department NET Program Coordinator, Don Dunkin. It is anticipated that after the contract for fire services between the City and the County are in place, the NET program will be offered quarterly to Dublin residents and advertised in the City's quarterly recreation brochure. City staff will assist in the implementation of this program. In addition, City staff will continue to monitor and evaluate this and other disaster preparedness programs. OVERVIEW OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM It is important to note that the City of Dublin currently offers a comprehensive/multi-faceted Disaster Preparedness Program which benefits the residents. The program consists of the following elements: . -;- . . . Emergency Sheltering Plan The City has entered into shelter agreements with the Tri- Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. The capabilities of existing shelters and the potential to arrange additional shelters are continuously under review. City staff has begun work towards a goal of establishing shelter locations as a Casualty Collection Point (CCP). CCPs are used when emergency medical services are over tasked. When finalized, these locations will be publicized so that members of the community will know where in their area they will be able to receive emergency medical care during a disaster. Disaster Service Worker Program City staff are currently developing a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) program that will allow community volunteers to assist in times of disaster. Initially, these will consist primarily of Amateur Radio Operators working with the City's recently installed Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) equipment. In the event telephone services are disrupted, these volunteer operators will provide communications with the Alameda County Office of Emergency Services, neighboring agencies, and designated emergency shelters. Future DSWs will be placed in roles complementing regular City staff positions. Comprehensive Staff Training City staff participate in an ongoing training cycle. In the past, staff members have attended extended training sessions at the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) in San Louis Obispo. Many of the City's exempt staff have been trained using ICMA's course "Emergency Management: Principles and Practice for Local Government." A three-part training program for all City staff began in November 1996. Sessions included infonnation about personal preparedness, the new State-wide Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the operation of the City's Emergency Operating Center (EOC). A functional exercise of the EOC is currently being planned for April 21, 1997. Disaster Plan Development On September 26, 1995, the City Council adopted a Multi-Hazard Functional Plan and an Emergency Management Operations Plan. These plans identify dangers that may strike the City of Dublin and provide a detailed response guide for City staff. The plans are reviewed regularly for potential improvements and necessary updates. The plans comply with both State and Federal guidelines. Regional Coordination City staff participate in the Alameda County Emergency Managers Association (EMA) and the Livennore Community Emergency Planning Group (LCEPG). Monthly meetings consist of legislative updates, training programs and presentations on programs in neighboring jurisdictions. RECOMMENDATION Authorize Staff to continue the City's Existing Multi-Faceted Disaster Preparedness Program, and work with Alameda County Fire Department to initiate the Neighborhood Emergency Team Program. -;3-