Disaster preparedness starts at home Disaster preparedness starts at home (September 09, 2005)

While a major hurricane like Katrina is unlikely to swamp Pleasanton, we're by no means risk free when it comes to similar disasters. Even flooding is a possibility if a major breach in the Lake Del Valle dam sent a wall of water heading our way, flooding low lying neighborhoods and wreaking havoc on homes and traffic. More likely, of course, are the possibilities of severe earthquakes, major fires, toxic spills or worse. That's why it's comforting to see that we have emergency response teams in place that plan and train regularly to protect us.

Headed by Tessa Burns of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, we now have a disaster preparedness and response team in place. A fully-equipped command center set up at the Pleasanton police station has places marked and ready for a force of responders from all essential parts of the community who are prepared and able to come to our aid if a disaster strikes. The center is stocked with laptops already programmed and specifically marked for individual responders, whether from police, fire, medical or communications disciplines. Locked in secure, individual compartments in a wall-long cabinet, the computers are kept fully charged with data continuously updated. Emergency contact numbers line the wall. There's also a full-dress disaster drill twice a year, with flack jackets, protective clothing and all. Some have complained that with no disasters in recent years, these frequent exercises are annoying, although Police Chief Tim Neal suspects that, as a result of Hurricane Katrina, there will be a lot more interest by all responders at next month's drill to make sure they have the equipment and up-to-date skills to do their jobs.

Still, even with fully-trained disaster response teams in place, it's the individual family that has to take responsibility for being ready if a disaster hits. At last Tuesday's City Council meeting, Dennis Loyer said he's never seen any information that would help him and his family be prepared. If houses crumbled in an earthquake, with power outages and no working phones, he told the council that 10,000 or more displaced residents would likely find their way to the Fairgrounds seeking help. Councilman Matt Sullivan agreed, saying he's never seen any disaster preparedness material either.

City Manager Nelson Fialho said residents should have at least a 48-hour supply of essentials, including water, working cell phones, batteries, blankets and a radio, and should also keep a full tank of gas in their car. That's a message, along with additional disaster materials, that Fialho plans to make available to the community and on the city's Web site. With Katrina still fresh on our minds - as well as still on our TV screens - the timing couldn't be any better for sending a message about the risks we face and what we need to be prepared.

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