HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/21/2003, C9 - AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY TO OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR GRANT FUNDS council MswyDa¢ 03
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CITY OF SAN LU I S O B I S P O
FROM: Wolfgang Knabe,Fire Chief 4
Prepared By: Viv R.Dilts, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY TO OFFICE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES FOR GRANT FUNDS
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to submit applications to the Office of Emergency Services (OES) for grant
monies to:
• Supplement Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) classes ($8,670)
• Update Emergency Operations Plan with a County-Wide Master List of Cellular Phone
and Direct Connect Numbers ($8,030)
• Citizen Corp Coordination($500)
DISCUSSION
The 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery From and Response to
Terrorist Attacks on the United States was passed by the Congress and signed by the President
on August 2, 2002. In part this Act authorizes federal funding for the updating of Emergency
Operation Plans (EOP) and the implementation of the Citizen Corps/Community Emergency
Response Teams (CERT)programs.
As a follow-up to the Act, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) will provide
grants to up-date EOPS with special emphasis on terrorism preparedness. Likewise the
Governor's OES will provide grants for the implementation of the Citizen Corps/CERT
programs to engage citizens in homeland security. A brief discussion of both follows:
CERT
On October 22, 1996, staff received conceptual approval allowing the Fire Chief to develop a
neighborhood Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program within the City. The
basic premise of the program is based on the fact that in the event of a large-scale disaster, it is
very possible that the typical emergency service workers may not be available. This is simply a
supply-and-demand issue. As with many facets of life, it is necessary to prioritize the large
number of emergencies that may occur during a major disaster. Itis suspected that in the event of
a disaster, emergency professionals will be dealing with what are considered "high level"
emergencies and will be unable to respond to "low"or"moderate" level emergencies for 48 to 72
hours.
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Authorization to Apply for Grant Funding
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That's where CERT comes in. CERT is a "hands-on" course that teaches individuals to be better
prepared in the event of a major disaster, and to form into effective neighborhood teams to assist
others. In the CERT training class topics include: how and when to turn off your Utilities;
Firefighting skills; Medical stalls; Hazardous Materials awareness; light Search and Rescue
techniques; and most importantly, self-reliance.
Since 1996, our program has been extremely successful. To-date 438 students have graduated.
The community recognizes the invaluable training offered by this program and the Fire
Department plans to continue training citizens in CERT.
Emergency Operations Plan Update
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) provides guidance for the response to extraordinary
emergency situations associated with natural disasters, technological incidents and national
security emergencies. The plan is designed to be a preparedness document.
In order to respond to and recover from the imminent threat or actual occurrence of a disaster or
terrorist attack, communication between agencies is imperative. Traditionally, communication is
facilitated with radio and land-line telephones. Within the past 10 years cellular telephones,
including those phones with direct connect radio have been commonly used to enhance other
modes of communication. The direct connect feature is a digital two-way radio with encrypted
format.
Currently, a county-wide master list of cellular telephone numbers; direct connect numbers, and
other communications devices does not exist in the Emergency Operations Plan. The
development of this list would not only be essential during times of emergencies, but also be
extremely helpful as a day-to-day operational tool.
Citizen Corp Coordination
The Citizen Corp funding is proposed to be used to develop a consolidated overview document
that explains the existing citizen involvement programs related to public safety such as CERT,
and similar services within the San Luis Obispo County Operational Area. It is anticipated that
development of this document will be coordinated with the County OES.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost-share or match requirement associated with this funding. It is 100 percent
federally funded.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could.decide not to pursue the grant monies. This is not recommended as grant
funds would only serve to enhance the effectiveness of the Fire Department and reduce the
General Fund expenditures.
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