San Francisco Area Officials Prepare for Disaster
Emergency officials in the San Francisco area aren't sitting idly by waiting for the next disaster to occur. They're planning to ensure they'll be prepared when the next one happens whether it's a flood, an earthquake or fire.
Representatives of various agencies that would be called upon to assist during a disaster gathered recently to discuss their game plans.
"Communication, communication, communication - that's what came up the most," said Harris Bostic II, director of preparedness for the Red Cross of the Bay Area.
Bostic said the day-long seminar was well-received by civilians as well as officials. After learning what emergency plans are available, participants were given an opportunity to test them. A number of tabletop drills were conducted with various scenarios.
"When each scribe gave a report, the common thread was better communications between agencies...Everyone is prepared," Bostic said. "But, what we saw in Katrina, everyone has to be on the same page. That's our goal..."
Bostic said the forum also was established to get officials thinking about how they will respond in a timely manner to care for people displaced after an earthquake. Those plans also must address residents with special needs and the elderly.
The group that included ham radio operators, fire and emergency personnel, Social Service agencies and government officials will continue working on their individual plans. In February, they will meet again to pool their resources.
"Networking is what it's all about," Bostic said. "There were a lot of people exchanging business cards...That's what we wanted."
