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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate - Disaster Planning ResponseXtJ2 CITY OF PALM DESERT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Informational Item: Update on Disaster Planning and Response SUBMITTED BY: Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager DATE: October 9, 2008 Attached is a summary of the Emergency Services projects for Disaster Planning and Response in the Risk Management Department. These projects have been recently implemented, are ongoing, or are being actively planned. All projects are designed to enhance the City's resilience to major catastrophe, reduce loss of life and injury, and speed recovery. Submitted By: Gary Rosenblum Risk Manager Approval: Carlos L. Orteg City Manager Departrr).ont Head: /. Homer Croy ACM for Development Services CITY COUNCIL ACTION: 3'PROVED DENIED RECEIVED OTHER J TING DATE NOES: Vr �f'���-��� :"f !E'�c`'� n52'�i� lr�� ASSENT . yr 1 ABSTAIN: VERIFIED BY: Original on File with --City Clerk's Office DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT Disaster Planning and Response Update Report 2007-2008 Proiects Implemented: 1. City Emplovee Training. All employees have received National Incident Management System basic training per government mandate within past year. City Management has participated in a 2-hour table top earthquake scenario exercise. City Management has participated in a 2-hour Bird Flu pandemic training and discussion. 2. City Hall and Corp Yard Supply stockpile. City has completed stockpile of 2,500 N-95 facemasks and gloves to be used in the event of Bird Flu Pandemic. Earthquake emergency supplies including safety, hygiene, search and rescue equipment, food, and water have been expanded. Expired supplies are being replaced. Corp Yard has boxed, palleted and shrink wrapped major bedding, blanket and sandbag supplies for more efficient transportation and disposition. 3. Earthquake Preparedness Outreach. Over 25 presentations have been given by the Risk Manager to the public this year. Groups include Chamber of Commerce, banks, security firms and about 15 gated community homeowner groups. Presentation is tailored to each group but includes earthquake geology and risk, advance planning, survival, safety, and recovery techniques and tips. 4. Gated Communitv quarterly Public meetings: City hosts a quarterly meeting for gated community representatives to discuss best practices for organizing the gated communities with disaster planning, teams, and supplies. Issues covered include team building, supplies, and communications. 5. National Incident Management System (NIMS) City All Hazard Emergency Plan approval by State. City has developed an entirely new emergency plan based on Federal requirements. This plan is complete and in final stages of approval by the State Office of Emergency Services. 6. Communications upgrades. Back-up radio system added to Corporation Yard (Secondary EOC). Twenty Emergency priority cell phones purchased and activated through ATT with no upfront or ongoing costs. Satellite phones charged and checked. Programs in Progress: 1. Emeraencv Power Program. Key City buildings that could be needed as cooling or other type of shelter will be retrofitted for electric systems that can allow large portable generators to be easily and safely connected to provide auxillary power during disasters or blackouts, pending approval by Council. City owned buildings initially selected for retrofitting are Joslyn Senior Center*, Community Center Building*, Portola Community Center and Catalina Community Center. Retrofitting costs approximately $5,000 per building. Rental generators provide immediate power availability once retrofitting is complete. These generators will be under contingency contract, but there is no guarantee of availablilty if they are out on rental when the emergency occurs. Purchasing portable generators at approximately $100,000 each is an option to ensure availability, but they may not be needed at all for extended periods of time. Portable generators are less expensive than permanent generators both for purchase, installation, and for ongoing maintenance. 2. City Management Disaster Response Traininq. Federal requirements for advanced level NIMS and Incident Management Systems training for City management and council will be conducted by training consultant. This will also include a mock exercise training. 3. Community Emeraencv Response Traininq. Advanced training as a first responder for citizens is being expanded to meet the need generated by outreach presentations. Options to provide this 3-day training to residents through training consultants, partnerships with College of the Desert and other organizations are being assessed. Refresher, and specialty training for the 120 residents already CERT trained is also being analyzed. CERT training is currently available 2 times per year in Cathedral City. 4. Gated Communitv emeraencv communications Droaram. The City's existing handheld radio communications system will be expanded to allow gated communities voluntary access to radio communications with the City EOC. Community investment would be under $500. 5. Private Sector Outreach. Expanding the outreach program from residents, gated communities to the private sector to include banks, and retail services of critical importance for City recovery. Outreach will include finding auxiliary means to coordinate with major retail services and suppliers and setting up advance contingency contracts that lock in normal pricing during surge capacity situations. *These buildings are identified by the County Office of Emergency Services as Palm Desert "Cooling Centers" each summer.