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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 13a - Community Connections During Emergencies DATE: May 17, 2022 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Barry R. Spriggs, Fire Chief By: Chen Suen, Deputy Fire Chief Maria Lourdes Taylor, Sr. Management Analyst SUBJECT: REPORT, DISCUSSION, AND DIRECTION REGARDING OPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DURING EMERGENCIES Recommendation: Provide Direction SUMMARY At the February 7, 2022, City Council Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Cheng recommended that City Council and City Staff explore emergency communications services for senior residents and requested that this matter be placed on a future agenda for further discussion. The City Council concurred. It is recommended that the City Council further discuss options for community connection during emergencies and provide direction. BACKGROUND The Arcadia Fire Department (“AFD”) is an “all-risk” department, which means it mitigates and responds to a wide spectrum of emergencies including medical aids, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and fires. Part of its responsibilities to the City of Arcadia and its citizens encompasses the City’s Emergency Preparedness and Management Program, which includes the City’s coordination efforts in the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of different disasters and major emergencies. In the past 11 years, the City has experienced its own share of major incidents including the November 2011 major windstorm event, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 Bobcat wildfire. This list does not include the many smaller scale but complex emergencies that have occurred in the City such as widescale power outages, house fires, and major traffic accidents. On a daily basis, the City works collectively to prepare and plan for emergencies before they happen through community outreach, conducting drills and training, and attending collaborative meetings internally and externally with community stakeholders. Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 2 of 9 Community outreach is accomplished through various means including presentations at different City events and functions and through information posted on City social media. Emergency Operations Center drills are conducted annually in the Spring and may include tabletop drills and exercises. Meetings are conducted throughout the year between many of the important stakeholders in the City and between employees who are actively involved in emergency management operations. Jointly, these efforts drive the preparedness phase of an incident prior to the event happening. During the response and recovery phases, the commonality of these events consists of the need to activate a plan of action which may include the use of an Incident Action Plan or Emergency Operations Plan. These plans expand and contract to the needs of the incident during both the response and recovery phases. Specific to large scale events, the City’s Emergency Operations Plan addresses the policies and procedures related to the City’s response to a disaster and provides a blueprint for the City’s Emergency Operations Center operations. Finally, the goal of the City during major emergencies is to address and mitigate every issue by prioritizing problems based on the need to save lives, conserve property, limit the environmental impact, and ultimately stabilize an incident. Unfortunately, during large- scale events, City resources may be overwhelmed during the first 72 hours and responses may be delayed. It is important for Arcadians to be prepared and take action should resources be delayed. Arcadians can better prepare themselves for emergencies in different ways. The report below details some of these options. At the February 7, 2022, City Council Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Cheng recommended that City Council and City Staff explore emergency communications services for senior residents and requested that this matter be placed on a future agenda for further discussion. The City Council concurred. This report is the result of that request. DISCUSSION The City has numerous resources and available options that may benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. These items are categorized into three general areas – 1) Get Connected with the City; 2) Call to Action and Prepare Yourself; and 3) Other Available Resources. I. Get Connected with the City There are several avenues that residents, businesses, and visitors can connect with the City. These are detailed below. Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 3 of 9 “Community Connect” Program The Community Connect Program is delivered by First Due, a leading software company that provides AFD with pre-incident information for Arcadia residences and businesses including building information, features, and potential hazards. “Community Connect” is a feature of the application that allows Arcadia residents the opportunity to voluntarily share vital information with AFD. Residents may share as much information as they are comfortable with. Some examples of information may include, medical conditions, designated family meeting places, emergency contact information, family functional needs, pet information, and other important data. Firefighters can access this information while responding to a home and understand the specific needs of each resident. Residents can access this invaluable tool online at www.ArcadiaCA.gov/connect. “Alert Arcadia” Emergency Notification System Alert Arcadia is the City’s mass emergency notification system managed by Everbridge, a company founded in 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11 with the mission of helping keep people safe amid critical situations. Often referred to as “reverse 9-1-1”, this system allows the City to provide secure, reliable, and relevant information to residents and businesses in real-time during emergency events. Examples may include safety alerts and instructions, shelter locations, and evacuation orders. Residents and businesses may register for Alert Arcadia to receive different alerts. Users may customize what information matters the most and what route to receive these messages. Other examples of messages that users may opt into are community updates, important announcements, and reminders. Users may choose to receive all or some notifications through text messages, phone messages, emails, and/or over the web. Residents and businesses may sign up by texting their Zip Code to 888777, downloading the free Everbridge application, and/or registering for Alert Arcadia online through www.ArcadiaCA.gov/alert. Social Media Outreach Program The City’s social media program, Connect Arcadia, provides residents, businesses, and visitors with important City information. This may include critical safety messages and alerts related to significant events and emergencies. The different social media handles are organized primary into four Twitter accounts - @DiscoverArcadia, @EnrichArcadia, @ProtectArcadia, and @ShapeArcadia. Each of these Twitter handles covers different topics related to the City. Below are brief descriptions of each: • @DiscoverArcadia (General City) – Provides current City news, special events, and the happenings at City Hall and around town. Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 4 of 9 • @EnrichArcadia (Recreation and Community Services, Library & Museum) – Provides information on inclusive programs and services to foster health and wellness, lifelong learning, and community. • @ProtectArcadia (Police and Fire) – Provides public and life safety tips, and information on crime prevention to preserve and protect your home or business. • @ShapeArcadia (Development Services and Public Works) – Provides up-to-date information on City projects and smart growth strategies that promote economic growth and sustainability to enhance Arcadia’s unique cultural and historical character. Some other useful Social Media options include: • Facebook o Facebook.com/ArcadiaCAgov o Facebook.com/ArcadiaFire o Facebook.com/ArcadiaPD • Instagram o @ArcadiaFireDept o @ArcadiaPD o @Arcadia.Public.Library • Nextdoor: o City of Arcadia • WeChat: o ID: DiscoverArcadia Following these social media handles will provide residents, businesses, and visitor another option to receive critical information. II. Call to Action and Prepare Yourself During times of crisis, it is the City’s goal to address every issue and concern. However, especially during the first 72 hours of a disaster, City resources may be drawn thin and responses to individual issues may be delayed. Hence, it is important that residents and businesses have a plan to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Below are some suggestions, which can also be found online at www.ArcadiaCA.gov/preparedness. Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 5 of 9 a. Make a Plan Whether it is your family or coworkers, it is important to develop a plan and different alternative collectively. Determine exit paths and meeting locations. Discuss who will oversee various responsibilities such as gathering emergency supplies and shutting off utilities. Take initiative and meet your neighbors. An entire neighborhood of residents and/or businesses can meet and develop a larger scale emergency plan. Designate a leader of such group to take charge and ensure responsibilities are completed. Most importantly, practice and exercise this plan. b. Preparedness Kit Quite often during disasters, supplies can become scarce. Widescale power outages may limit places you can purchase items last minute. You may find shelves empty from panicked shopping. Many fellow residents need the same supplies that you do. It is important to pre-plan and be prepared before an event happens. Here is a suggested emergency supply kit that you can assemble ahead of time. There are pre-packaged emergency kits available for purchase through vendors such as the American Red Cross. First Aid Kit: • Hydrogen peroxide to wash and disinfect wounds • Antibiotic ointment for dressing wounds • Individually wrapped alcohol swabs • Antacids • Aspirin and non-aspirin tablets • Prescriptions from doctor for any long-term medications (keep these current) • Diarrhea medicine • Laxatives • Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting) • Vitamin supplements • Eye drops • 4” x 4” gauze dressings • Ace bandages • Bandages and splinting materials • Rolled gauze, one each of 1”, 2” and 3” wide • Cotton-tipped swabs • Adhesive tape roll ½” or 1” wide • Bandage, sterile roll 2” x 4” wide • 3 large triangular bandages (36” x 36” x 50”) • Instant cold pack for sprains and burns • Ammonia inhalant (smelling salts) • Instant hand sanitizer • First aid book • Disposable gloves • Sugar packets • Burn cream • Thermometer Emergency Survival Kit: • Writing materials (pen, pencil, and paper) • Scissors • Tweezers • Soap • Sunscreen lotion • Plastic bags • Plastic spoons, knives, and forks • Paper plates and cups • Waterproof matches Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 6 of 9 • Safety pins • Needle and thread • Mylar space blankets • Pocket knife, multi-function knife • Pre-moistened handy wipes • Safety glasses • Dust masks • Work gloves • Fire extinguisher (s) (A-B-C type) • Tools: wrench, pliers, hammer, axe, shovel, screwdriver • Manual can opener • Food preparation materials • Flashlight, lantern, candles • Whistle • Warming packs • Portable radio and batteries • Extra batteries of all sizes • Food and water • Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels • Tarp • Survival guide • Household liquid bleach • Duct tape • Personal effects (i.e., toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, sanitary napkins, and extra eyeglasses) • Copies of important papers (e.g., ID cards, insurance, birth certificates, passports, mortgage, financial/legal documents, etc.) • Crowbar • Rope • Backpack to carry necessary items in case you have to venture on foot • Light sticks • Coffee filters or clean cloth for water filtering • Poncho with hood • Blankets or sleeping bags • Eyeglasses or contact glasses, and set of keys • Cash and change • Baby supplies (e.g., disposable diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and any medication) • Change of clothing • Sturdy shoes • Large plastic trash bags for waste, to use as tarps, and rain ponchos • Maps • Cooler • Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting • Aluminum foil • Pet supplies (e.g. food, water, leash, litter box, tags, medication and vaccination information) c. Ready, Set, Go “Ready, Set, Go” is a widely recognized saying that was repurposed to assist citizens to prepare for a wildfire. The northern part of the City interfaces with wildland and brush areas that may be prone to wildfires. It is important especially those who reside in the wildland urban interface to practice, “Ready, Set, Go.” i. Be Ready: Create and maintain defensible space and harden your home against flying embers. • Remove all tree branches at least 6 feet from the ground • Use fire-resistant plants and landscaping to resist the spread of fire to your home • Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds within 30 feet of any structure Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 7 of 9 • Remove dead or dry leaves including pine needs from your yard, roof, and rain gutters • Keep all branches of trees 10 feet away from each other and a house’s chimney • Keep exposed woodpiles at least 30 feet away from structures • Build your roof or re-roof with materials such as composition, metal or tile. • Block any spaces including vents to prevent embers from entering and starting a fire. • Eaves and soffits should be protected with ignition-resistant or non-combustible materials. • Install dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass • Decks should be built with ignition-resistant or non-combustible materials • Exterior walls should be built or remodeled with ignition-resistant materials such as stucco, cement siding, or fire-retardant-treated wood • Screen or enclose rain gutters. • Use ignition-resistant or non-combustible fence material ii. Get Set: Prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Ensure you have a plan of what to take and where to go. Ask friends and relatives outside your area if you would be able to stay with them, should the need arise. Check with hotels, motels, and campgrounds to learn if they are open. Remember the six P’s to keep ready in case immediate evacuation is required: 1. People and pets 2. Papers, phone numbers, and important documents 3. Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses 4. Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia 5. Personal computer hard drive and disks 6. Plastics such as credit cards and ATMS cards, and cash iii. Be Ready to Go: When a wildfire strikes, go early for your safety. Take the evacuation steps necessary to give your family and home the best chance of surviving a wildfire. Leave as soon as soon as evacuation is recommended by officials. III. Other Available Resources Southern California Edison’s Medical Baseline Allowance Southern California Edison (“Edison”) provides a Medical Baseline Allowance Program for those who require the regular use of electrically-powered medical equipment or qualifying medical devices. The program allows for qualified individuals additional electricity for use. Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 8 of 9 During emergencies and rotating power outages, Edison encourages these users to be prepared with a back-up power system or other plans to ensure their health and welfare. Edison does not provide back-up generation power. In the event of rotating power outages (high volume usage) or Public Safety Power Outages (wind events), Edison will automatically call these customers with a pre-recorded message. At times, Edison may only receive a 10-minute warning. For more information, visit Edison’s web address at https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/medical-baseline. Community Emergency Response Team (“CERT”) Program The Community Emergency Response Team Program (“CERT”) educates and trains civilian volunteers on disaster preparedness for disasters that impact their area. They are also often used for widescale planned events. Some examples of tasks or skills CERT members learn and train on include: basic disaster response techniques, team organization, traffic and crowd control, disaster medical operations such as first aid, fire safety, and light search and rescue operations. Local cities with developed CERT programs include: Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Rosemead, Temple City, and Duarte. The CERT concept began with the Los Angeles City Fire Department (“LAFD”) in 1985 and quickly grew to a national program in 1993. CERT was developed in response to the need for immediate assistance to citizens during the early stages of a disaster. As mentioned before, citizens are likely to be on their own during the initial 72 hours of an event. During large-scale disasters, family members, co-workers, and neighbors were found spontaneously coming to the aid of each other. However, lack of training often led these unprompted volunteers to injury and sometimes to death. As an example, 100 untrained volunteers died while saving 700 other lives during the response to the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Currently, CERT basic training includes nine (9) units covering various topics with each unit containing specific objectives. In developing and maintaining a CERT program, dedicated City staff time is required, which has been a barrier for the City creating such a program locally. If the City Council is interested in establishing a CERT program in Arcadia, funds would need to be allocated for hiring, training, and staffing a CERT program manager. While the position would not itself be a full-time role, the requirements are beyond the time available to existing personnel. CONCLUSIONS As citizens in an unpredictable world, everyone must be prepared when disaster strikes. The City has trained and outfitted personnel to be able to respond to and lead the community through whatever emergencies may arise; however, residents must also take their own steps to ensuring they are well positioned to care for themselves and each other in an emergency. Part of this includes getting connected to the City’s communications tools and emergency preparedness tools offered by the City, local utilities, and other Options for Community Connections During Emergencies May 17, 2022 Page 9 of 9 agencies in advance of emergencies and knowing where to go for information in an emergency. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The proposed actions do not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that they will have no impact on the environment. Thus, these matters are exempt under CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT This informational report has no direct impact on the General Fund at this time. However, should the City Council consider establishing a CERT Program for the City, additional funding would be necessary to fund staffing, equipment, training, and necessary supplies to implement the program. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council further discuss options for community connection during emergencies and provide direction. Attachment No. 1: Community Connect Flyer Attachment No. 2: Alert Arcadia Flyer "U"UUBDINFOU "UUBDINFOU