WILBUR TARZANA NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN. Version 1.0. December 15, 2014

Transcription

1 WILBUR TARZANA NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN Version 1.0 December 15, 2014 This document has been revised based on findings from the 2014 Great ShakeOut Full Scale Exercise. Page 0 of 36

2 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This plan was developed by members of the Wilbur Tarzana neighborhood under the sponsorship of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council. A list of people who participated in the development of this plan can be found in the appendices of this document. Their efforts and contributions were instrumental in the development of this plan. The plan was completed on December 15, Warren Holden Wilbur, Tarzana Neighborhood Resident PLAN MAINTENANCE The Tarzana Neighborhood Council Public Safety Committee Chair, Warren Holden, is responsible for maintenance and update of the plan. The plan will be updated annually and in response to lessons learned from exercises or actual disasters. PLAN DISTRIBUTION A copy of the initial plan and any future updates should be distributed to residences in the area for which this plan was developed. The plan should also be posted on the Tarzana Neighborhood Council website. PLAN MODIFICATION REGISTER Changes made to the plan are reflected below. Table 1: Plan Modification Register Description of Change Page Number Date of Change Authorized Signature Page 1 of 36

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments... 1 Plan Maintenance... 1 Plan Distribution... 1 Plan Modification Register... 1 Table Of Contents Introduction Background Purpose How The Plan Was Developed About Our Neighborhood Organization Of The Plan Basic Plan Area Covered By The Plan Leaders Planning Assumptions Threats And Risks Neighborhood Assets Individual And Family Disaster Response Actions Neighborhood Response Organization Establishing Communications Key Areas Staying Informed Area Map A.1 Suggested Equipment And Supplies A.1.1 Family Emergency Supplies List A.1.2 Pet Emergency Supplies List A.1.3 Neighborhood Emergency Supplies List A.2 Notification Annex A.2.1 Purpose A.2.2 Notification Procedure A.3 Search And Rescue Annex A.3.1 Purpose A.3.2 General Procedures A.4 Neighborhood Care Center Annex A.4.1 Purpose A.5 Communications Annex A.5.1 Purpose A.5.2 General Procedures Page 2 of 36

4 A.6 Animal Care Annex A.6.1 Purpose A.6.2 General Procedures A.6.3 Response And Recovery Animal Procedures A.6.4 Animal Evacuation Kit Contents A.7 Medical Triage And Treatment Annex A.7.1 Purpose A.7.2 General Procedures A.8 Power Outage Annex A.8.1 Purpose A.8.2 Situation Description A.8.3 Response Strategy A.9 Earthquake Annex A.9.1 Purpose A.9.2 Situation Description A.9.3 Response Strategy Page 3 of 36

5 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND As community members, we recognize that preparing for disasters and catastrophic events is imperative. With numerous natural hazards surrounding us and the ongoing threat of manmade disasters, planning and preparing are of the utmost importance for our community. 1.2 PURPOSE The primary purpose of the plan is to outline strategies that our neighborhood members can take to support ourselves in the event of a disaster. It is meant to cover large-scale disasters as well as smaller emergencies. The plan is based on the recognition that the first priorities in a disaster are self, family, and neighbors. It is built on the concept of neighbor helping neighbor until outside help arrives. We hope that this plan will provide a mechanism for our neighborhood to sustain itself until City services and outside support can be obtained. 1.3 HOW THE PLAN WAS DEVELOPED The development of this plan was sponsored and funded by the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD). The consultant group, Constant & Associates, selected by EMD to facilitate the project, met with a small group of interested residents and neighboring community members. Development of the plan was accomplished through a series of neighborhood meetings held July to October of The City of Los Angeles 5 Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness Toolkit was used to guide the process of plan development. The process was publicized throughout the area by flyers distributed door-to-door; postcard mailers; announcement on the Tarzana Neighborhood Council website; a presentation to the Tarzana Neighborhood Council meeting on June 24, 2014; announcements and flyers distributed at the neighborhood movie night held at Tarzana Park on July 11, 2014; and multiple other means. 1.4 ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD The Wilbur Tarzana neighborhood is located in the Northern part of Tarzana. Tarzana as a whole encompasses 8.79 square miles of the San Fernando Valley with a population of approximately 37,778. This makes Tarzana one of the least densely populated areas in the City of Los Angeles. The area was largely developed for residential use in the 1920s and 1930s, after Tarzan author Edgar Rice Burroughs sold large portions of his ranch to the City of Los Angeles for development. As with most of Los Angeles, Tarzana is a diverse area and residents hail from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. Non-English languages spoken in the Wilbur neighborhood include Spanish, Farsi, Hebrew, Russian, and Armenian. Page 4 of 36

6 The Wilbur Tarzana neighborhood is also vulnerable to many of the hazards seen throughout the City of Los Angeles, including earthquakes, power outages, and spills or hazards on the Freeway. The neighborhood encompassed by this plan includes Tarzana Elementary School, the Tarzana Recreation Center and Tarzana Park, and the Tarzana Baptist Church. This encompasses the Wilbur area of Tarzana, a Los Angeles community that is bordered by the 101 Freeway to the South, Wilbur Avenue to the East, Beckford Avenue to the West, and Hatteras Street to the North. This area is under the jurisdiction of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council, and is located in City Council District Three and Los Angeles County Supervisorial District Three. The Wilbur Tarzana neighborhood is served by Fire Station 93 (19059 Ventura Boulevard) and the West Valley Police Station (19020 Vanowen Street). Several urgent care, health and medical centers are located in the area, including the Providence Tarzana Medical Center, which offers emergency care. 1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN This plan is organized into three parts: A Basic Plan, which identifies threats and risks to the neighborhood, assets, and a community disaster response strategy. The basic plan applies to all hazards. Functional Support Annexes that detail how specific tasks, such as Communications, or Search and Rescue will be performed. Hazard Specific Annexes that describe responses to specific hazards such as floods or earthquakes. Page 5 of 36

7 2. BASIC PLAN 2.1 AREA COVERED BY THE PLAN The scope of this plan covers the area bordered on the east by Wilbur Avenue; on the south by the 101 (Ventura) Freeway; on the west by Beckford Avenue; and on the north by Hatteras Street. The neighborhood is composed of approximately 95 single-family homes, the Tarzana Recreation Center, Tarzana Baptist Church, and the Tarzana Elementary School. See the map in section 2.11 for reference. 2.2 LEADERS Leaders were identified by first contacting the Tarzana Neighborhood Council, which identified a member of the Council and resident of the area covered by the plan to take a leadership role in plan development. Additional leaders were identified at the neighborhood planning meeting held at the Tarzana Recreation Center on July 1, Others providing assistance and leadership are listed in Appendix 10. Table 2.1: Leaders Name Skill or Experience Warren Holden Elliot Durant Community Resident TNC Public Safety Member Roozy Moabery Amateur Radio 2.3 PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS Development of the plan is based on the following assumptions: Following a disaster support from government services may not be available for hours or days. Families and neighborhoods should be prepared to sustain themselves in a major disaster, rescue those who may be trapped or immobile, provide basic first aid and medical care, assist residents who need assistance, and create an effective organizational structure to guide response and recovery. In the event of a disaster, the pedestrian walkway that connects Cahill Avenue /Collins Street with Donna Avenue may be impassable, limiting east-west access between the eastern and western areas of the neighborhood. In a major disaster, neighborhood residents, as well as residents of nearby neighborhoods may spontaneously gather at the Tarzana Recreation Center, as they did following the 1994 Northridge earthquake. After a large earthquake some buildings may be damaged and unsafe for use. The government will provide the support that they deem appropriate (e.g., shelters, food, water, etc.) as they are able. Page 6 of 36

8 Neighborhood requests for assistance will go through the applicable agency, e.g., contact the Department of Public Works for street repair and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) or Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for life/safety issues. This plan identifies threats and risks that the neighborhood deems most likely to occur. 2.4 THREATS AND RISKS Every neighborhood in Los Angeles faces a variety of threats and risks both natural and human-caused. Some threats are highly likely, but pose only minimal or moderate risk. Other threats, while less likely, can cause devastating results. All neighborhoods in the City are subject to such threats as severe weather or earthquakes. Others may be subject to threats and risks unique to that particular neighborhood. The table below lists the threats identified as facing our neighborhood, the likelihood of occurrence, and the potential level of impact. Table 2.2: Threats and Risks Threat Likelihood Of Occurrence Level Of Impact (High, Medium, Low) Earthquake Almost Certain High Severe Weather Likely Medium Extended Power Outage Moderate High Water Disruption/Water Likely High Main Break Gas Leak Moderate Low Communications Failure Likely High (i.e. Landline, Cellular, and First Responder Communications Pedestrian Bridge Failure Moderate Low (Snoopy Bridge) Hazardous Materials Spill Moderate Low on Freeway Liquefaction Moderate Medium Multiple structure fires Unlikely Medium Food contamination Moderate Medium Highly contagious Moderate High pandemic with significant mortality rate Power outage Almost Certain Low Page 7 of 36

9 2.5 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSETS Our neighborhood and nearby assets are below. Table 2.3: Assets Asset Type Asset Description Asset Location or Contact Information Facility Facility Facility Facility Open space Transportation Tarzana Recreation Center Gym (gym floor, stage, toilet facilities) Tarzana Elementary School (with outdoor basketball court, classrooms) Tarzana Baptist Church, Multi-Denominational Church Tarzana Community and Cultural Center May function as area emergency communications center following disaster Recreation Center baseball field can be used for staging, or for med evacuation, LAPD or LAFD air assets Proximity to Ventura freeway provides access for public safety and utility workers 5655 Vanalden Avenue Tarzana, CA, Business Hours: (818) Topeka Drive Tarzana, CA, Business Hours: (818) Topeka Drive Tarzana, CA, Business Hours: (818) Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA Business Hours: (818) Vanalden Avenue Tarzana, CA, Business Hours: (818) Vanalden Avenue Tarzana, CA Business Hours: (818) Page 8 of 36

10 2.6 INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY DISASTER RESPONSE ACTIONS The first responsibility of residents is to ensure the safety of our families, pets and property. As such, the following individual and family response actions have been identified. Check to make sure that everyone in your household is safe and accounted for (including pets). Administer first aid if necessary. Check for any unsafe conditions. Correct if possible; block off access or put up warning signs for any dangerous areas of your home and property. Locate and avoid any downed power lines. If an earthquake has occurred, shut off main gas valve if you smell gas. Tune radio to emergency frequencies, such as AM 1070, to get information and instructions. Don protective equipment (sturdy shoes, helmets if available, comfortable clothing, and clothing to protect against weather as necessary). Hang the Emergency Door Tag on your door or in a window so that it is visible from the street. If no help is needed, hang the OK side facing out. Otherwise, place the Help/Ayuda side facing out. Lock doors and secure belongings. Take water, essential medications, and Go Kit and proceed to the Neighborhood Gathering Place. If the pedestrian access to the park is impassable, residents in the eastern portion of the neighborhood should proceed to the Tarzana Baptist Church parking lot. 2.7 NEIGHBORHOOD RESPONSE ORGANIZATION The Tarzana Recreation Center parking lot has been designated as the primary Neighborhood Gathering Place for residents following a disaster, with the Tarzana Baptist Church parking lot as an alternate location for residents if the Tarzana Recreation Center is an unsafe or inaccessible option. A Command Post will be established in the parking lot where residents will organize into teams to respond to the emergency. In the event that residents have assembled at both locations (Tarzana Recreation Center and Tarzana Baptist Church), and the pedestrian walkway is impassable, the two areas will organize separately. Block captains, assistant block captains, and other neighborhood leaders will take the lead in organizing neighborhood response actions following the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS), taking the following actions: Select an overall leader ( Incident Commander ) for managing our response efforts. Select three Section Chiefs Operations, Logistics, and Planning & Intelligence. Under each Chief we will organize teams with specific responsibilities. Each team will be composed of 3 7 people, a team leader, and be assigned to specific tasks. Team roles will be based upon the needs of the disaster response, and available resources, with the most critical tasks assigned first. Page 9 of 36

11 Figure 2.1: Disaster Response Organization Chart Incident Commander Operations Logistics Planning & Intelligence Search & Rescue Team Materials & Supplies Team Communications Team Care Team(s) may include teams for Triage, Treatment, Morgue, Animal Care, and Care Center Transportation Team Neighbor Information Team Rescue Progress Team Page 10 of 36

12 The table below describes the functions of typical neighborhood response functions/teams. Table 2.4: Disaster Response Roles Role Incident Commander Operations Logistics Planning and Intelligence Search & Rescue Care Materials & Supplies Transportation Communications Neighbor Information Rescue Progress Description The Incident Commander is the leader. He/she is responsible for deciding what is to be done. The Operations Section will be responsible for search and rescue, triage and medical, and animal and pet care. The Logistics Section is responsible for obtaining equipment, materials and supplies, and for arranging for transportation if needed. The Planning and Intelligence Section is responsible for keeping track of the status of the emergency, and for maintaining communications within the neighborhood, and with outside agencies. The Search & Rescue Team will look for the OK/Help signs, as well as check on those listed as needing extra help. They also assess known hazard areas. Ideal members have completed CERT Search & Rescue training. Care Teams can consist of the Triage Team those who determine the priority that injured survivors will receive care; the Treatment Team those who tend to the injured; the Morgue Team those who manage the deceased; the Neighborhood Care Center Team those who provide extra care during the disaster; and the Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) those who provide care to animals. Members of these teams ideally have experience in healthcare. The Materials & Supplies Team coordinates needed materials and supplies. The Transportation Team coordinates transportation of supplies, equipment and people. The Communications Team listens to the Emergency Alert System, FRS/ham radio, or National Weather Radio. The Communications Team is responsible for communicating information within the neighborhood, and to/from the neighborhood and first responsders and other City agencies. The Neighbor Information Team coordinates information about residents and relays information about rescue progress and survivor status (injured, missing, etc.) from the Command Post to the Care Center. The Rescue Progress Team keeps track of the rescue progress of community members. Page 11 of 36

13 2.8 ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATIONS One of the most important tasks following a disaster is to establish communications both within the neighborhood, and with the outside. The communications team will: Determine if cell phone systems are operable. If so, cell phones will be used as the primary means of communications. NOTE: in an emergency, text messages may be operable even if cell phone voice communications are not available. If cell phones are not operable, determine if FRS radios are available. If so, establish neighborhood communications on Channel 2. If electronic communications are not available, establish a team of runners to physically carry communications within the neighborhood, and with Fire Station 93 located at Ventura Boulevard, If some residents have assembled at other nearby locations (elementary school, church, etc.), attempt to establish communications with them. The Community and Cultural Center is located at: Ventura Boulevard Tarzana, CA Specific areas should be established for each (818) emergency function. Several areas have been preidentified, as listed below. If the listed location is inaccessible or unsafe, alternate locations should be established and communicated to the community. The following table describes the various emergency functions that may be established, and identifies suggested locations. Not all functions may be needed in a particular emergency. The Incident Commander will determine which functions are required for response. 2.9 KEY AREAS Tarzana Community and Cultural Center The Tarzana Community and Cultural Center is equipped to function as a community communications center in the event of a disaster. Ham radio equipment which has been prepositioned at the Center will be operated by licensed ham radio operators. The Center may also function as a staging area for CERT volunteers deploying to the surrounding area. All indoor Tarzana Recreation Center area can only be used when recreation center staff arrive to allow access. Page 12 of 36

14 Table 2.5: Key Areas Function Description Location Neighborhood Gathering Place Command Post Air Medical Evacuation Landing Zone Triage and Treatment Area Neighborhood Care Center Human Shelter Animal Shelter Morgue This is a space to organize response activities. Location from which the Incident Commander and the Section Chiefs will direct disaster response operations. The Communications Team will also be located here. Area where response air assets can land and provide emergency medical transport. This area will be used to triage injured, provide first aid, or evaluate injured for medical treatment. This is a place where those who may need extra help following a disaster, to include children, older adults, and persons with disabilities or other access and functional needs, can be brought and cared for. Area used to provide protection from the elements and offer support and services as available. Animals should remain with their owners. Deceased will be stored here until transportation is arranged to the Coroner/mortuary. Primary: Recreation Center Parking Lot Alternate: Tarzana Baptist Church parking lot Primary: Recreation Center parking lot. Move inside Recreation Center if building is safe for occupancy and utilities available Alternate: Tarzana Baptist Church parking lot Primary: Tarzana Recreation Center athletic field Alternate: Tarzana Elementary School playground Primary: Recreation Center (move outside Rec Center if building is unsafe) Alternate: Tarzana Baptist Church (move inside if building is safe for occupancy and utilities are available) Primary: Child care facility adjacent to Recreation Center gym if building is safe Alternate: Tarzana Baptist Church Primary: Child care facility adjacent to Recreation Center gym if building is safe Alternate: Tarzana Baptist Church NA Primary: Exterior fenced in area south of Recreation Center Alternate: Tarzana Baptist Church Page 13 of 36

15 2.10 STAYING INFORMED Information about the disaster will be obtained from communications with LAFD. Television, radio, satellite and cable outlets will transmit emergency messages. A car radio or batterypowered radio might be the easiest way to listen to emergency broadcasts. Tune your AM radio to 850 khz to receive emergency information AREA MAP The following map depict the Wilbur Tarzana neighborhood and the Tarzana Recreation Center. The location of various emergency functions are depicted on the map. Page 14 of 36

16 Tarzana Recreation Center Tarzana Baptist Church Wilbur Tarzana N Wilbur Tarzana Page 15 of 36

17 ANNEXES A.1 SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES A.2 NOTIFICATION ANNEX A.3 SEARCH AND RESCUE ANNEX A.4 NEIGHBORHOOD CARE ANNEX A.5 COMMUNICATIONS ANNEX A.6 ANIMAL CARE ANNEX A.7 MEDICAL TRIAGE AND TREATMENT ANNEX A.8 POWER OUTAGE ANNEX A.9 EARTHQUAKE ANNEX A.10 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Page 16 of 36

18 A.1 SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES A.1.1 FAMILY EMERGENCY SUPPLIES LIST The following items are suggested for a family supplies. At least three days (72 hours) of supplies is recommended. It is also recommended that a Go Kit containing supplies for 24 hours be kept in an easily accessible location. Non-perishable food. Three (3) day supply of non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking Mechanical can opener Potable water (3 gallons per person) Essential medications, spare eyeglasses Copies of medical prescriptions a water-proof container Flashlight with extra batteries First aid kit Battery operated radio and extra batteries Personal hygiene items Plastic bags, toilet paper, paper towels Hammer & small crowbar Pet food Change of clothing, blankets Cash Sturdy shoes or boots Heavy duty work or garden gloves Any other disability-related items, or assistive technology devices needed for survival A.1.2 PET EMERGENCY SUPPLIES LIST The following items should be kept in a Go Kit if the household includes pets: 3-day supply of pet food Appropriate animal carrier Pet medications Familiar toys & treats Vet contact information Extra collar and leash Extra bags for waste Copy of vaccination records Page 17 of 36

19 A.1.3 NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY SUPPLIES LIST The following items are recommended for a neighborhood supplies cache: First aid supplies Bottled water Heavy duty crow bar(s) Axe FRS radios Blankets Stretchers Flashlights, extra batteries Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) Page 18 of 36

20 A.2 NOTIFICATION ANNEX A.2.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to outline the methods that will be used to notify community members of a disaster. A.2.2 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE If a major disaster occurs or is deemed imminent, many residents will learn of the situation through various means, including hearing from friends or relatives, radio, television, internet, or by experiencing the event itself. To ensure that everyone is notified, a contact procedure has been established. The CERT Leader (or alternate) will contact CERT members and block captains (or alternates) via cell phone or FRS radio channel 2. Block captains (or alternates) will notify residents in their assigned areas by going house-to-house. Block captains may enlist other residents to assist in house-to-house notification as needed. The chart below depicts the procedure for contacting leaders and residents in the event of a disaster or emergency. Figure A.2.1: Notification Strategy CERT Leader/ Alternate Block Captain/ Alternate Block Captain/ Alternate CERT Team Resident Resident Member Resident Resident Member Resident Resident Member Page 19 of 36

21 A.3 SEARCH AND RESCUE ANNEX A.3.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to detail procedures that will be followed once it is determined that there is a need to perform a search and rescue mission in the area following a disaster or emergency incident. A.3.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES Search and Rescue is really two separate activities. During the Search phase, the team systematically inspects the area for survivors. In the Rescue phase, the team aims to free survivors from confinement. The objectives of Search and Rescue include: Maintain rescuer safety Rescue the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time Rescue the lightly trapped survivors first If the neighborhood has members trained in CERT, then CERT teams will be responsible for initiating Search and Rescue procedures and assigning teams to specific areas. Key strategies and themes include: Designate rescuer safety as a priority Be alert for hazards Wear safety equipment (hard hats, goggles, sturdy shoes) Never enter an unstable structure Following a disaster or during an emergency, the CERT team or other designated leaders will assemble at the Neighborhood Gathering Place and designate Search and Rescue Teams. One or two Disaster Animal Rescue Team (DART) members should accompany each Search & Rescue team to ensure that animals are rescued and cared for. Consider assigning a scribe to each Search and Rescue Team to ensure that actions and important information are documented. Simple steps for conducting a Search Check for red or green door tags. Red tags mean that residents are requesting assistance. Conduct an initial damage assessment to identify hazard areas and prioritize Search & Rescue operations. Search & Rescue teams should notify survivors they pass during the damage assessment that they will return to rescue them. Call out. Begin by shouting "If you can hear my voice, come out!" Be systematic. Use a search pattern to ensure that all areas of a building are covered. For example, start searching on the bottom floor and work up, or move from the right to left across a house. Listen carefully. Stop frequently and listen for voices or tapping sounds. Use the buddy system. Work together -- two rescuers can search a structure more effectively and safely. Page 20 of 36

22 Keep a record of which houses have been searched, and mark with a nonpermanent marker if available. Document results. Keep records of removed victims and survivors who remain trapped. Effective rescue operations have three functions: (1) create a safe rescue environment, (2) Triage and stabilize survivors and (3) Remove survivors to safe rescue area. Simple steps for conducting a rescue Wear gloves to protect your hands. Gather necessary tools and equipment. This can be anything that will be helpful to move debris and large objects. Remove debris and lift objects out of the way. Remove survivors. Some will be able to move on their own once the path is cleared. Others will need assistance. The following procedures should be followed regarding deceased victims Deceased victims found in unoccupied residences should be left undisturbed, and information as to the number of deceased victims and location marked on the front entry. Deceased victims in residences that will continue to be occupied should be moved to a separate area of the dwelling WHEN REQUESTED by occupants. Page 21 of 36

23 A.4 NEIGHBORHOOD CARE CENTER ANNEX A.4.1 PURPOSE This annex will detail procedures for the activation and operation of a Neighborhood Care Center. A Neighborhood Care Center is a neighborhood location established during/after a disaster where children, older adults, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and others needing non-clinical care can be provided a safe, secure environment and care. Location Criteria While it is understood that emergencies create an imperfect environment, emergency response leadership should choose the Care Center location with the following general criteria in mind: The Care Center should be physically separated from housing of the general population. Since HV/AC systems may not be operable following an emergency, Care Center locations should have natural light and ventilation. Locations should meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access requirements and have the capacity to accommodate access and functional needs populations. Staffing Criteria Care Centers should ideally be staffed with trained professionals. situation, Centers will have to be staffed with available personnel. However, in a disaster In selecting persons for staffing centers, response leadership should look for the following: Use the list of personnel assets from CERT leaders and Block Captains to identify persons with experience in child care, older adult care, and care for persons with disabilities and other functional needs. If experienced people are not available, select those who are known to the neighborhood. Assign at least two people to provide constant supervision to the children s area; child supervision should always be done in pairs, and ideally by a person whose regular line of work involves children and current background checks. If a supervisor needs to take a break, another person must be temporarily assigned to fill his/her role. Without constant supervision, children in particular could wander from the Center and become lost, could put themselves in danger to exposed hazards, or could put themselves at risk of abduction and/or pedophilia. Assign observers with no care responsibilities to observe operations and report any concerns or issues. Designate one entry/exit for the Center and assign someone to provide security for it. A display board should be situated near the entry/exit that lists peoples names who are within the Center to provide timely information to relatives who come looking for their loved ones. Consider assigning someone with a mental health or psychology background to the Care Center to provide support services to those within. Assign a liaison to communicate information from the Command Post to the Care Center regarding that status of victims and survivors. Page 22 of 36

24 A.5 COMMUNICATIONS ANNEX A.5.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to describe procedures that facilitate communications (1) within our neighborhood and (2) with government agencies (Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department) during and following a disaster or emergency. A.5.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES Communications may be conducted via any available media, including landline phone, cell phone, Family Radio Service (FRS), Amateur Radio (HAM) radio and face-to-face. In the event of a disaster, telephone communications may be unavailable or severely limited. Keep all communications brief and to the point Speak clearly and avoid jargon Identify yourself by name, organization and location The Communications Team will be responsible for communications within the neighborhood and with external agencies. Communications may be conducted by cell phone or by using runners for face-to-face communications. If FRS radios are available, FRS radio communications will be conducted within the neighborhood on channel two. Depending on the scope of the disaster, the Incident Commander may designate separate channels for different functions to prevent radio congestion. One person should be designated to collect all radios once response efforts have concluded. The Communications Team will: Conduct communications within the neighborhood, including communications with Search and Rescue Teams, or other units deployed to provide assistance to residents or to assess damage. Monitor emergency radio frequencies. Transmit all requests for assistance as well as information relating to neighborhood conditions, casualty reports, damage reports, or requests for assistance to fire station 93, located at Ventura Blvd. Transmit requests for other assistance through authorized channels. If available, HAM operators will utilize American Radio Relay League procedures to notify friends and family outside the area. These operators should be assigned an identifier, such as a vest or badge, so that residents know who to turn to when seeking to communicate with loved ones through ham radio. If necessary, establish communications with the community Emergency Communications Center located at the Tarzana Community and Cultural Center. Page 23 of 36

25 A.5.3 RADIO PROCEDURES This information is provided by a member of the Wilbur Tarzana community. A. 2-way radio is not like a telephone because: You cannot hear anyone if you are speaking B. When do you speak? Only if you have to - keep it brief The most important thing in using a 2-way radio effectively is o Listening, not talking o If someone seems in control of things, listen to them C. Your job as a volunteer who is an occasional radio user is to: Participate in training exercises Learn and use correct procedure Listen to the radio all the time Pay attention to instructions Be brief when you talk on the radio D. What is a controlled net? An uncontrolled net is where everybody talks as they have need which works fine when there are few people and low volumes of messages In a controlled net, someone takes command to control and manage what is going on Radio users must call net control to get permission before calling anyone else Use a controlled net when more than four people are on the air E. Why use a controlled net? It enables control (the person in charge) to: Prioritize resource requests Quickly handle multiple situations Record what happens F. Who is in control? It could be anyone, even you. It will usually be the most experienced person available at the time. G. Control s job is to: Maintain radio discipline by: o Setting the example o Prioritizing messages and requests o Handling all radio traffic efficiently Track what is going on record everything that happens Report to the emergency response team coordinator or incident commander H. You must write everything down. Because it is likely that you may not remember everything discussed It helps when briefing a lead Visually impaired should consider carrying tape recorder or portable Brailer in jump kit. I. Control log: Write down (record) names of staff or officials for whom you send messages Page 24 of 36

26 Make a line entry for each item on a log in case the person wanders off before you get a reply or you need to get more information and helps eliminate duplicate requests for the same resources or information. If visually impaired and using a recorder, leave space or find some way of indicating position. Practice ahead of time List in chronological order: o Who has a problem or information o Situation update and tasks assigned, such as: Problem identification and location; Progress of evacuation; Resources available, assigned, out of service, or in transition; Personnel safety and accountability Used for briefing team leader/incident commander. Also becomes part of official record J. Participating in a controlled net Respond only to control get permission before contacting anyone Answer promptly Monitor the radio continuously Answer immediately if called Do not leave the air without checking out to avoid wasting control s time looking for you K. User names and unit Ids. Identify yourself by your: Location and assignment such as shelter basement This enables control to manage resources or tasks without regard to who is at any location so that events can be logged easily Use your unit ID consistently Contact control or others by theirs. You might say Control, this is shelter basement; over Control acknowledges shelter basement go ahead. Or shelter basement wait (or stand by) If you get the go-ahead, speak, but briefly Listen for your ID at all times L. To call someone else, the following procedures should be followed in a controlled net. In an uncontrolled net, the initial call to control is omitted: IC this is Search Team 1 Control this is Search Team 1 over Search Team 1, go ahead We have located 3 victims, need medical, cannot move them Roger Acknowledge calls correctly. When you hear a call to you, reply: This is IC, go ahead If you are in no position to take the call, then id and ask the calling station to wait. Get back to the caller at the first possible opportunity. Page 25 of 36

27 A.5.4 RADIO OPERATION A. General operation Never use any survivor s name over the radio Idle chatter has no place in a controlled net Establish initial contact with control by stating your unit ID only ( control this is shelter; over ) Wait for control to recognize you before transmitting any further ( shelter; go ahead.) If you speak further without being recognized, you may double over someone who then must repeat their message Think before you speak and keep your transmissions short Stop transmitting if you stop talking release push-to-talk control, otherwise you make dead air so than no one else can speak Do not call repeatedly: If net control doesn t answer you, wait for pending traffic to finish before trying again If your call is truly urgent, do it despite our advice Wait a few seconds before pushing to talk and between phrases so others can break in. It is OK to interrupt, IF you have important information that s why you leave gaps between transmissions When necessary to interrupt, speak only long enough to ID and say why Such as, team north leader; info Do not use 10-codes or jargon Use plain language, avoiding technical terminology or jargon unless it is deemed operationally necessary. Never use CB jargon or slang Use short simple phrases to make recording easier Clarify Repeat critical information Confirm Correct Wait for acknowledgement before speaking; don t take up air time with a long transmission until you are certain that you have the other operator s attention Acknowledge transmissions to you to avoid having to repeat the message since control with then know you are ready to continue with your assignment, releasing the frequency. Ex: Shelter acknowledging message from medical supply. Out. ) Answer questions directly: do not explain If amplifying information is vital to ensure that traffic is fully understood, be brief Let control or the requester ask for details Ask who a message is for if you don t know Let their parties (incident personnel who are not part of the communication team) speak directly to each other Wait a fraction of a second after pushing the talk button and before speaking. (Avoids clipping off first syllable as radio changes from receive state to transmit.) Don t speak louder in a noisy environment. If you speak louder than is needed for normal speech, the radio will distort your voice, reducing, rather than increasing, intelligibility Instead: o Use earphone or headset o Turn down volume o Shield microphone from the wind o Speak across the microphone o Use a normal speaking voice Page 26 of 36

28 B. Prowords: Use prowords correctly: o Prowords help expedite radio messages and reduce copying errors o They are effective only if everyone understands and uses them correctly The Basic Prowords which should be used by everyone who uses a 2-way radio o This is used to identify who is calling o Over means I have finished speaking and it s now your turn. Leaves no doubt whose turn it is o Go Ahead means I m ready to copy. o Out means I am finished and expect no reply. Tells everyone the contact has ended. Using over and out together is unnecessary. Use either one or the other o The station who initiates the contact always terminates it o Copy means OK, received and understood o Affirmative or Negative. Use instead of yes or no because their sounds are distinctive and meaning clear, even under noisy operating conditions More Prowords: o Say again used to request a word or phrase be repeated from the last known word such as Say again all after <known word> o Correction I made an error and am transmitting again from after the last correct word. o Correct? Am I correct? o Correct (Affirmative) You are correct. o Wait Cease transmission until told to go ahead by control o I spell I will spell the word o Figure (s) Numbers to follow o Initial Single letter follows o Mixed group following group contains both numbers and letters. Speak slowly and distinctly C. International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard phonetic alphabet. A Alpha J Juliet S Sierra B Bravo K Kilo T Tango C Charlie L Lima U Uniform D Delta M Mike V Victor E Echo N November W Whiskey F Foxtrot O Oscar X X-ray G Golf P Papa Y Yankee H Hotel Q Quebec Z Zulu I India R Romeo Page 27 of 36

29 A.6 ANIMAL CARE ANNEX A.6.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to detail procedures that will be followed to evacuate, shelter and provide veterinary/medical support for animals in the event of a disaster or emergency incident. A.6.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES Evacuate with animals as early as possible. This will decrease their chance of becoming victims of the disaster. Make sure all animals have some form of identification tag Place all small pets, including cats and dogs, in individual carriers and put leashes on all large dogs Load animals into the vehicle along with animal evacuation kit Go to the Animal Evacuation Site, where a formal check-in process should occur, to include written documentation and photographs for each animal Birds Transport in small covered carriers. If traveling in cold weather, warm the interior of the vehicle before loading in bird. Reptiles Transport in small carrier or pillowcase. Amphibians Transport in plastic bags or plastic containers filled with water. A.6.3 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY ANIMAL PROCEDURES Following a disaster or during an emergency, animals should remain with their owners. A.6.4 ANIMAL EVACUATION KIT CONTENTS Three day supply of food and water Appropriate animal carrier Emergency contact list Any medications needed Familiar toys/treats Page 28 of 36

30 A.7 MEDICAL TRIAGE AND TREATMENT ANNEX A.7.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to detail procedures that will be followed by triage and treatment operations following a disaster. A.7.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES The Incident Commander will establish a Triage and Medical Unit under the Operations Chief and assign personnel to staff the unit. Appropriate areas of the Tarzana Recreation Center, or an alternate location will be designated for triage, treatment, and morgue operations as needed. A sample Disaster Medical Organization Chart is attached. The Triage and Treatment Team should be composed of persons with medical or first aid training, as well as people who can lift a certain amount of weight to help move survivors. If CERT members are present, triage and medical operations should be conducted in accordance with the Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual, Units 3 and 4.I Safety of triage and medical staff is of paramount importance. Triage and medical operations will be conducted only after it is determined that they can continue without danger to personnel. Measures should be taken to ensure that triage and treatment areas are as sanitary as possible, and that all equipment and supplies are kept clean and secure. If available, triage and medical personnel will wear basic personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves. CERT Role If available, trained CERT personnel will assume primary responsibility for triage and medical operations. CERT personnel may be augmented by other persons with medical or first aid training. If required, persons without training will be requested to assist. Triage and Treatment Areas As appropriate, triage and treatment areas will be established and staffed at the Recreation Center as directed by the Incident Commander. These areas will include, as needed: Triage Area for initial assessment and sorting of survivors for treatment based on the severity of their injuries. Treatment Area for providing medical services to survivors after they have been assessed and their injuries deemed not life-threatening. Morgue for temporary storage of decedents. Transport Area for survivors awaiting transport to hospitals or other treatment facilities. Supply Area for the storage, sorting and dispensing of supplies. Page 29 of 36

31 Triage Methods Triage will be conducted utilizing the Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment (START) method, using the four triage categories: Immediate. Survivor needs immediate care for life-threatening injuries. Delayed. Survivor requires treatment, but injuries are not immediately life-threatening. Minor. Treatment can be self-administered or delayed for some time. Dead. Victim will be moved to the Morgue Area. The START method is detailed on the Triage Decision Flowchart. Figure A.7.1: Triage Decision Flow Chart Source: Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participation Manual Page 30 of 36

32 Here is the general procedure for conducting triage: Step 1: Stop, Look, Listen, and Think. Before your team starts, stop and size up the situation by looking around and listening. Think about your safety, capability, and limitations, and decide if you will approach the situation. If you decide to proceed, quickly make a plan about your approach that all members understand. Step 2: Conduct voice triage. Begin by calling out, Neighborhood Search and Rescue Team. If you can walk, come to the sound of my voice. Speak loudly and firmly. If there are survivors who are ambulatory, tag them M (minor) and direct them to a designated location. If rescuers need assistance and there are ambulatory survivors, then these survivors should be asked to provide assistance. These persons may also provide useful information about the location of other survivors. Step 3: Start where you stand, and follow a systematic route. Start with the closest survivors and work outward in a systematic fashion. Document triage results for: Effective deployment of resources Information on the survivors locations A quick record of the number of casualties by degree of severity Remember that your safety is paramount during triage. It is important to wear proper protective equipment so as not to endanger your own health. Source: Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participation Manual Documentation Triage operations should be documented by recording the number of patients and victims in each category, i.e. immediate, delayed, minor, and dead. Handling Deceased Victims Remains of deceased victims should be handled with care and respect. Remove dead bodies from the treatment area and store in an area screened from view. Store in a cool area out of sunlight. Record identifying features, such as approximate age, gender, and any identifying marks. Do not remove clothing or personal effect from bodies. If clothing and personal effects have been removed during treatment, make sure these items are stored with the bodies. Wrap bodies in plastic and secure with rope or twine if supplies are available. Transportation Survivors requiring further treatment should be transported to an appropriate treatment facility as soon as safe transportation can be arranged. In the interim, keep survivors as comfortable as possible; out of the elements; and hydrated. Page 31 of 36

33 A.8 POWER OUTAGE ANNEX A.8.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this Annex is to detail the specific actions and procedures that will be taken in the event of a long-term power outage affecting the Tarzana-Wilbur neighborhood. This Annex is designed to supplement the actions and procedures prescribed in the Basic Plan and other Annexes. A.8.2 SITUATION DESCRIPTION For the purposes of this plan, a power outage threat is a power outage that lasts, or is expected to last, 8 hours or more. A power outage may result from: Natural events, such as a windstorm, earthquake, or brushfire. Technological causes, such as a failure of a substation or a disruption in the power grid. Human causes such as human error or sabotage. Power outages may be the result of events in the immediate area, or of events occurring many miles away. A.8.3 RESPONSE STRATEGY Individual and Family Response Actions In the event of a power outage lasting, or anticipated to last, for an extended duration, individual households should take the following actions: Persons who may need special assistance should make sure that their neighbors and Block Captain are aware of their needs. If the outage is due to an incident in the immediate area such as a windstorm or earthquake, remain in a safe location until the danger has passed. If the outage is due to an earthquake, brushfire, or other incident that poses an immediate threat, follow instructions of public safety personnel or the local CERT team, and/or evacuate to the Neighborhood Gathering Place (Tarzana Recreation Center parking lot), and follow the procedures listed in Section 2.6 of the Basic Plan. To prolong food preservation, minimize the opening of refrigerators and freezers. Use foods likely to spoil first; save canned and dry foods for later consumption. Do not use charcoal cookers of any type inside an enclosed structure. If a member of the household depends upon durable medical equipment (DME) that relies on electrical power, notify the fire department immediately. If unable to contact the fire department, contact the Communications Team at the Recreation Center. When outside the home, be alert to downed power lines, trees, and other debris. When outside the home, don helmet, protective clothing, and sturdy boots or shoes as necessary. Unless advised to assemble at the Neighborhood Gathering Place, stay in your home and hang the Emergency Door Tag on the front door or window so that it is visible Page 32 of 36