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HomeMy WebLinkAboutInfo Rprt - Activities of the Emergency Svcs DivCITY OF PALM DESERT OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER STAFF REPORT REQUEST: RECEIVE AND FILE INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES DIVISION. SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager DATE: April 27, 2017 Recommendation By Minute Motion, receive and file this informational report. Strategic Plan Obiective This matter is related to the Public Safety and Emergency Services section of the Palm Desert Strategic Plan, specifically under Priority 3: Help the community become more prepared for disasters and public safety emergencies. The priority's strategy is to expand the city's current disaster preparedness efforts through increased education and public outreach. A full-time contracted Emergency Services Coordinator assists in meeting this priority through numerous public outreach efforts and hosting of Community Emergency Response Team classes. Background Beginning in Fiscal Year 2015/16, the City contracted with Riverside County Fire Department for a half time Emergency Services Coordinator position. The position splits time equally (i.e. every other week) with the City of Indian Wells that pays 50% of the position's costs. The assigned Emergency Services Coordinator, Eric Cadden, provides expertise and coordination for the City's emergency services planning, response, and recovery programs. The following report is an update on the activities and accomplishments to date: Emergency Preparedness • Updating the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to identify significant hazards within the community. Such action also ensures continued eligibility to receive to Federal and State emergency funding and grants. • Working with the Riverside County Department of Public Health to implement point of dispensing (POD) sites in the community. POD sites are utilized to quickly distribute preventative medication to large numbers of people during a public health emergency to prevent illness. Informational Report -Emergency Services Division April 27, 2017 Page 2 of 3 • Working with the Department of Homeland Security in obtaining a Government Emergency Telecommunications Services (GETS) card, which will provide the City priority calls over the wireline network (not cellular) at all times if needed (not contingent on a major disaster or attack). • Creation of event action plans for numerous City events (e.g. Palm Desert High School graduation, the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, and the City's Fourth of July celebration) that will assist first responders should a significant emergency occur during the event. • Continuance of applying for, managing, and monitoring the City's Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and State Homeland Security Program Grant (SHSP) programs. These grant awards offset the cost of Community Emergency Response Team courses and new emergency equipment purchases. • Supervision of the efforts of volunteers who assisted in organizing the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), including removing out of date equipment. • Identifying equipment needs in the EOC as part of the proposed FY 2017-18 City budget to improve operational readiness in the event of activation. • Developing plans to remodel the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to improve the working space for staff during a prolonged emergency activation. • Updating the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and upon completion will provide training to staff on their role(s) and responsibilities under the plan. • Finalizing MOU and specifications for a new Mobile EOC vehicle. • Purchasing new computer equipment for the EOC (50% grant funded) that will enhance assessment, communication, operational management, fiscal, and planning responsibilities during an emergency. Community Outreach • Conducted numerous disaster preparedness presentations for hundreds of residents at various Palm Desert neighborhoods and HOAs, including, but not limited to, Marrakesh, Monterey, and Ironwood Country Clubs. • Conducted various safety presentations at local schools, on -site EOC tours for students, and participated in Youth in Government Day. • Conducted monthly testing of the City's HOA Emergency Radio Program in establishing relationships with local homeowner association that can provide situational assessments on their neighborhoods following a disaster. • Participated in the Palm Desert High School Every 15 Minutes program, including working with all participating students in simulating their injuries. • In conjunction with Palm Desert High School, working to establish a Teen Community Emergency Response Team course. Informational Report -Emergency Services Division April 27, 2017 Page 3 of 3 Internal & Community Training • Trained City Staff on the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Incident Command System (ICS). • Taught numerous CERT courses throughout the year (primarily funded with grant monies) that trained community members to be more self-reliant following a disaster. • Provided a workshop on the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to familiarize Staff on their role in the EOC during an emergency incident. • Provided fire extinguisher training for local businesses (over 300 employees), including Sunline Transit Agency and Marriot Shadow Ridge. • Along with City staff, attended a multiple day Rapid Assessment Workshop and upon completion, established a City working group that will establish policies and procedures for Staff that provide post disaster assessment (i.e. building inspectors, public works inspectors, street maintenance staff, and code enforcement officers). Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact as this is an informational report, but the contract cost for this position in FY 2016/17 is $62,092 (includes Riverside County communication and IT service costs). Submitted By: Stephe- Y. Ariyan, Risk Mnager Reviewed By: Ld'ri Carney, Director P' dministrative Services Approval: C 'tauri Aylaian, City Manager