MOSHER/HOMER NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN

Transcription

1 MOSHER/HOMER NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN Photograph Courtesy of Martha Benedict Photography. VERSION NO: 1 DATE OF LAST REVISION: 02/01/13 MONTECITO HEIGHTS CENTRAL BUREAU COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT 1 LAPD HOLLENBECK LAFD STATION 12 BATTALION 2 COUNTY-USC HOSPITAL ARROYO SECO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL

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3 PLAN MAINTENANCE PLAN MAINTENANCE AND UPDATE The Montecito Heights Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 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. The contact person for plan updates is Roy Payan. PLAN DISTRIBUTION Copies of the initial plan and any future updates will be distributed to all residences of the area for which this plan was developed. The plan will also be posted on the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council website. PLAN MODIFICATION REGISTER Changes made to the plan are reflected below. DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE PAGE NUMBER DATE OF CHANGE AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE 1

4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This plan was completed by members of the Mosher Avenue/Homer Street neighborhood and the Montecito Heights CERT. The Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council guided the process, providing the necessary oversight and support. This plan was developed with input from numerous members of the community. The following people provided support and leadership for plan development: Roy Payan Montecito Heights CERT Martha Benedict Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Danny Duarte Neighborhood Resident Eve Martinez-Puchlik Neighborhood Resident Mona Curry City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department The plan was completed on (Date) Signature, Roy Payan, Plan Development Leader Signature, Martha Benedict, Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council President 2

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS PLAN MAINTENANCE... 1 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... 2 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 ESTABLISH COMMUNICATIONS KEY AREAS STAYING INFORMED AREA MAP A1. NEIGHBOR SURVEY A1.1 SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS A.2 NOTIFICATION ANNEX A.2.1 PURPOSE A.2.2 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE A.3 COMMUNICATIONS ANNEX A.3.1 PURPOSE A.3.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES

6 A.4 ANIMAL CARE ANNEX A.4.1 PURPOSE A.4.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES A.4.3 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY ANIMAL PROCEDURES A.4.4 ANIMAL EVACUATION KIT CONTENTS A.5 SEARCH AND RESCUE ANNEX A.5.1 PURPOSE A.5.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES A.6 TRIAGE AND TREATMENT ANNEX A.6.1 PURPOSE A.6.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES A.7 NEIGHBORHOOD CARE CENTER ANNEX A.7.1 PURPOSE A.8 POWER OUTAGE ANNEX A.8.1 PURPOSE A.8.2 SITUATION DESCRIPTION A.8.3 RESPONSE STRATEGY A.9 WILDFIRE ANNEX A.9.1 PURPOSE A.9.2 SITUATION DESCRIPTION A.9.3 RESPONSE STRAEGY A.10 FLOOD ANNEX A.10.1 PURPOSE A.10.2 SITUATION DESCRIPTION A.10.3 RESPONSE STRATEGY A.11 EARTHQUAKE ANNEX A.11.1 PURPOSE A.11.2 SITUATION DESCRIPTION A.11.3 RESPONSE STRATEGY

7 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND As community members, we recognize that preparing for disasters and catastrophic events is not a luxury, it is an imperative. It is often said that disasters are not a matter of if but when. Nowhere is this truer than in our own Los Angeles with its dense web of earthquake fault lines just under the surface and its place atop the nation s terrorist target list, among other natural and human-caused hazards. This Neighborhood Disaster Plan encompasses the 4300 blocks of Mosher Avenue and Homer Street bordered by East Avenue 43 in the Montecito Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The area is under the jurisdiction of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, and is located in Council District 1 and Los Angeles County Supervisorial District 1. The neighborhood is served by the Hollenbeck Community Police Station of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Central Bureau, located at 2111 East 1 st Street, Los Angeles, The nearest Los Angeles Fire Department station is located at 2230 Pasadena Avenue, Los Angeles, The USC/County General hospital complex is located a short distance away, at 1500 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, 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 plan was developed through a series of neighborhood meetings held from July to September, Meeting attendees included residents from within the 4300 blocks of Mosher/Homer, community members from throughout the five communities represented by the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, and other surrounding communities. Neighborhood meetings were augmented by numerous one-on-one and small group meetings to define specific procedures. The Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council provided overall direction and leadership, with the participation of representatives from the Montecito Heights Improvement Association, and the Montecito Heights CERT. Development of this plan was sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Development of this plan served as an important pilot program for a soon-to-be released Neighborhood Disaster Response Plan Toolkit sponsored by the City of Los Angeles. The toolkit will be designed to provide communities with the resources they need to develop a neighborhood disaster plan. Key toolkit resources utilized for this project include: You Can Build a Neighborhood Disaster Plan in 5 Steps; Neighborhood Disaster Plan Fill-In 5

8 Template; You Can Build a Neighborhood Disaster Plan in 5 Steps Facilitator Meeting Guide; Emergency Door Tag; and the Neighbor Survey, among others. 1.4 ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD The Mosher Avenue/Homer Street area is located in the neighborhood of Montecito Heights. Montecito Heights is one of five communities that comprise the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood, along with Hermon, Monterey Hills, Mount Washington and Sycamore Grove. Montecito Heights is 2.41 square miles and largely in the zip code. Montecito Heights itself began as a development in The developers envisioned an affluent suburb, with homes built on large lots, surrounding a hilltop hotel. The company went bankrupt in 1929 and the hotel was never built, but many Montecito Heights residents still enjoy the legacy of the developers' vision and their spacious lots. 1 Today, the ethnically and culturally diverse area of Montecito Heights maintains a population of approximately 2,000 2 residents. Ancestry represented by our community members includes persons from Mexico, El Salvador, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Europe. In addition to English, languages commonly spoken in the neighborhood include Spanish and Cantonese. The Mosher Avenue/Homer Street area of Montecito Heights occupies the flatland area adjacent to the Arroyo Seco and the 110 Pasadena Freeway. The entire area is in a liquefaction zone. This area includes 133 residential homes, a church, and a recreation center. 1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN This plan is organized into three parts: A Basic Plan, which identifies threats and risks to the neighborhood, neighborhood assets, and a community disaster response strategy. The basic plan applies to all hazards. Functional 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. 1 Montecito Heights Improvement Association, retrieved on 8/25/ Estimation per Roy Payan. 6

9 2. BASIC PLAN 2.1 AREA COVERED BY THE PLAN This Neighborhood Disaster Plan encompasses the 4300 blocks of Mosher Avenue and Homer Street, bordered by East Avenue 43 in the Montecito Heights community. See page 15 for a map of the area. 2.2 LEADERS Plan development leaders were recruited by first contacting the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, which identified a lead person. Additional leaders were identified at the first Neighborhood Planning Meeting (held on July 24th, 2012 at the Montecito Height Community Center). Together these leaders spearheaded plan development and mobilized neighborhood participation. Persons providing leadership are listed in the Acknowledgements Section. 2.3 PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS, Development of this plan is based on the following assumptions: Support of our access and functional needs populations will be incorporated throughout planning, response and recovery. Planned response will be consistent with the LAFD CERT program and the Incident Command System (ICS). The Montecito Heights CERT will provide leadership for the response/recovery effort, as well as trained volunteers for Search and Rescue, Triage and Medical Care, and Communications. Following a major disaster, support from government services may not be available for hours or days. Communities should prepare 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. The government will provide the support that they deem is appropriate (e.g., shelters) as soon as they are able. Request for assistance from neighborhoods, in the interim, should go through the applicable city department (e.g., contact transportation for street issues, etc.) or fire and law (for life/safety issues). Our neighborhood leaders self-identified all components of the plan (i.e. determined our own threats and risks). 7

10 2.4 THREATS AND RISKS Every neighborhood in Los Angeles faces a variety of threats and risks from both natural and human-caused disasters. Some threats are highly likely, but may pose only minimal or moderate risk. Other threats, while less likely, can cause devastating results. The table below lists potential threats to our neighborhood and assesses the risks associated with each threat. Table 2.1: Threats and Risks THREAT LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE 3 LEVEL OF IMPACT 4 Civil disturbance Unlikely Moderate Collapse of Arroyo Unlikely Major retaining wall Earthquake Likely Catastrophic Flooding Almost Certain Major Food contamination Moderate Moderate Highly contagious Moderate Catastrophic pandemic with significant mortality rate Landslide Moderate Moderate Power outage Almost Certain Major Structure fires (due to older wood frame houses Likely Major in close proximity) Volcano eruption (fallout Rare Major and debris) Water contamination Almost Certain Minor to Major depending on duration and toxicity Wildfire Unlikely Moderate Windstorm Likely Moderate 3 Almost Certain: Greater than 90% chance Likely: 50 90% chance Moderate: 10 50% chance Unlikely: 3 10% chance Rare: 3% chance or less 4 Minor: Some disruption of service possible. Little or no property damage, personal injury, or loss of life, injuries, and fatalities Moderate: Disruption of some services. Minimum property damage, injury, and loss of life Major: Many services disrupted and/or structures severely damaged. Multiple personal injured and significant loss of life Catastrophic: Disruption of most services. Widespread property damage. Many Injuries and fatalities 8

11 2.5 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSETS The following table lists the neighborhood assets that can be useful in responding to an emergency. This table was prepared based on the knowledge of participants and the results of a survey conducted among neighborhood residents. The results of the survey are summarized in Appendix A1. In order to preserve the confidentiality of survey information provided by individual residents, detailed survey results will not be published. Detailed information will be maintained by CERT leaders and block captains only. Table 2.2: Neighborhood Assets ASSET TYPE ASSET DESCRIPTION ASSET LOCATION OR CONTACT INFORMATION 5 Skilled personnel Law enforcement officers Confidential Skilled personnel Residents with first aid and CPR skills Confidential Skilled personnel Trained CERT volunteers Confidential Skilled personnel Surgeon Confidential Skilled Residents with ham, RRS and other Confidential personnel/equipment communications equipment Skilled personnel Translators Confidential Skilled personnel Military experience Confidential Skilled personnel Residents with construction, plumbing Confidential and electrical skills Skilled personnel Tow truck drivers Confidential Facility Recreation Center Gym (gym floor, stage, toilet facilities) Recreation Center Homer St. Facility Equipment Senior Center (meeting room, kitchen, toilet facilities) Tools (includes power tools, shovels, crowbars, axes, carpentry set, electrical saw, nails, rope, ladders, electrical generator, welding machine) Recreation Center Homer St. Confidential 5 Because of confidentiality concerns, names and contact information for skilled personnel are not published, but are maintained by CERT Leaders and Block Captains. 9

12 ASSET TYPE ASSET DESCRIPTION ASSET LOCATION OR CONTACT INFORMATION 5 Equipment Vehicles Confidential Communications Communications Open space Transportation Facility Organized radio group to monitor radio communications Yahoo group of approximately 1100 persons in area for mass Recreation Center baseball field can be used for staging, or for med evacuation, LAPD or LAFD air assets Proximity to Pasadena freeway provides access for public safety and utility workers Audubon Center has enclosed meeting space, solar power, kitchen, and is gated Montecito Heights CERT Montecito Heights CERT Recreation Center Homer St. Intersection at Ave 43 Debs Park 4235 Monterey Rd 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, or 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. Tune radio to emergency frequencies 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. 10

13 2.7 NEIGHBORHOOD RESPONSE ORGANIZATION The Montecito Heights Recreation Center parking lot will serve as the Neighborhood Gathering Place for residents following a disaster. A Command Post will be established in the parking lot where residents will organize into teams to respond to the emergency. The Montecito Heights CERT, block captains, and alternate block captains will take the lead in organizing neighborhood response actions using ICS principles. We will determine what to do, how we plan to do it, and what timeframe we are going to do it in (e.g., develop an Incident Action Plan). We will select an overall leader for managing our response efforts our Incident Commander. Reporting to the Incident Commander will be three Section Chiefs. Under each Chief will be teams with specific tasks to perform. One or more teams will be organized to perform each task. Each team should have 3-7 people and a Team Leader. We will assign team roles based on the needs of the disaster and the people we have. Team organizations and roles are noted below and on the next page. 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, and Care Center Transportation Team Neighbor Information Team Rescue Progress Team 11

14 Table 2.3: 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 victims will receive care; the Treatment Team those who tend to the injured; the Morgue Team those who manage the decesed; 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 (like fire and police). The Neighbor Information Team coordinates information about victims and relays information about rescue progress and victim status (injured, missing, etc.) from the Command Post to the Care Center. The Rescue Progress Team keeps track of the rescue progress of victims.. 12

15 2.8 ESTABLISH COMMUNICATIONS The CERT Communications Team will be responsible for disaster response communications within the neighborhood and with outside entities. The CERT Communications Team will: Determine if cell phone systems are operable. If so, cell phones will be used as the primary means of communication. If cell phones are not operable, FRS radio will be used as the primary means of tactical communications within the neighborhood, using channel 2. Depending on the scope of the disaster, the Command Post may decide to designate separate channels for Command, Search and Rescue Teams, and DART to prevent radio congestion. If cell phones are not operable, communications will be established with Fire Station 12 (5921 North Figueroa) using the assigned Battalion 2 frequencies (primary: CERT 2, ; secondary: CERT 13, ). CERT related requests for assistance, status reports, and receipt of instructions and information will be through communications with the ham operator at station 12, or at battalion 2 if communications with station 12 cannot be established or maintained. Other requests for assistance will be routed through the applicable city department (e.g., contact transportation for street issues, etc.) or fire and law (for life/safety issues). Emergency communications will be conducted in accordance with the LAFD CERT Communications Plan Manual. 2.9 KEY AREAS Specific areas will be established for each emergency function, as listed below. Table 2.4: Key Disaster Areas FUNCTION DESCRIPTION LOCATION Neighborhood Gathering Place Command Post Air Med Evac Triage and Treatment Area This is a space for us to organize response activities. Location from which the Incident Commander and the Section Chiefs will direct disaster response operations. The CERT 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 Recreation Center Parking Lot Recreation Center Parking Lot Baseball field Recreation Center Gym 13

16 FUNCTION DESCRIPTION LOCATION Neighborhood Care Center Human Shelter Animal Shelter Morgue 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. Safe haven for animals and pets. Deceased victims will be stored here until transportation can be arranged to the Coroner or to a mortuary. Senior Center Senior Center Exterior of Senior Center Covered area on north exterior side of Recreation Center 2.10 STAYING INFORMED Information about the disaster will be obtained from communications with LAFD. Other mechanisms we may use include: Alert LA. Alert LA is a community mass notification system that will provide recorded phone, text and messages. The website is SNAP. SNAP is a voluntary web-based registry for persons with access and functional needs who may need assistance in an emergency. The website is Public and commercial media. Television, radio, satellite and cable outlets will transmit emergency messages. A car radio or battery-powered radio might be the easiest way to listen to emergency broadcasts AREA MAP The following page depicts a map of the area for which this plan was written. 14

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18 A1. NEIGHBOR SURVEY A1.1 SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS Respondents 57 households completed the neighbor survey in August respondents (68%) live on Homer Street, 17 respondents live on Mosher (30%), and 1 respondent lives on E Ave 43. Translation 23% of the respondents indicated that they, or someone at their residence, needed translation. 12 homes needed Spanish translation and 1 home needed Chinese translation. Pets 52% of the homes (29 homes) have 85 pets. This includes 41 dogs, 14 cats, 12 unspecified, 11 birds, 2 rabbits, 2 turtles, and fish. 4 households indicated that their dogs or cats were aggressive. Special Assistance Needed During Emergency 30% of the respondents (17 homes) indicated they, or someone at their residence, needed special assistance. This includes 3 households with older adult residents, 7 households with children (2 of these moms are pregnant), 3 households have members with walking limitations, and 3 households indicated they needed unspecified special assistance, and 1 household indicated a medical need. Special Skills 39% of respondents had skills to offer (22 respondents). 11 respondents offered medical skills including CPR, First Aid, BLS, tow truck driver and 1 orthopedic surgeon. 11 respondents offered language skills (9 specified English/Spanish). 5 people offered plumbing, construction or electrical skills. 1 person has military skills and knowledge of public safety. 1 person indicated they were CERT trained. Supplies/Equipment 32% of the households (18 respondents) offered supplies and equipment to use in a disaster. 6 households offered use of their 19+ vehicles. 12 households offered use of their tools, including: power tools, shovels, crowbars, axes, carpentry set, pliers, flashlights, batteries, propane stoves, hammers, electrical saw, nails, rope, welding machine and generator. 3 households offered other supplies including 3 animal cages and a blue aid box. 16

19 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 Montecito Heights 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.1: Notification Strategy CERT Leader/ Alternate Block Captain/ Alternate Block Captain/ Alternate CERT Team Resident Resident Member Resident Resident Member Resident Resident Member 17

20 Table A.1: Notification Leaders ROLE NAME TELEPHONE CERT LEADERS Primary Roy Payan Confidential Confidential Alternate TBA TBA TBA MOSHER BLOCK CAPTAIN Primary Daniel Duarte Confidential Alternate Carlos Morales (323) TBA HOMER BLOCK CAPTAIN Primary James Acosta (213) Alternate TBA TBA TBA 18

21 A.3 COMMUNICATIONS ANNEX A.3.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to describe procedures that facilitate communications (1) within our neighborhood and (2) with government agencies during and following a disaster or emergency. A.3.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES Communications may be conducted via any available media, including landline phone, cell phone, FRS, 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 Montecito Heights CERT Team will be responsible for radio communications within the neighborhood and with external agencies in accordance with the ASNC Community Response Team Communications Manual and the LAFD CERT Communications Plan Manual. Pre-event communications will use FRS radio and will use channel 2. Once an event is in progress or has occurred, FRS radio communications will be conducted on channel 12. Depending on the scope of the disaster, the Command Post may designate separate channels for Command, Search and Rescue Teams, and DART to prevent radio congestion. One person should be designated to collect all radios once response efforts have concluded. Following a disaster or during an emergency, the Montecito Heights CERT team will assemble at the Montecito Heights Recreation Center and form a communications unit to handle radio communications. Communications within the neighborhood will be conducted via FRS radio, channel 2. This will include communications with Search and Rescue Teams, or other units deployed to provide assistance to residents or to assess damage. Communications with external agencies will be conducted via ham radio 145/560, PL (Simplex). All requests for assistance, and transmission of information relating to neighborhood conditions, casualty reports, damage reports, or requests for assistance will be directed to fire station 12, using CERT channel 2, frequency (primary) or CERT channel 13, frequency (alternate). Request for other assistance should go through the applicable city department (e.g., contact transportation for street issues, etc.) or fire and law (for life/safety issues). If available, HAM operators will utilize American Radio Relay League procedures to notify friends and family outside the area of the safety of residents. 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. 19

22 A.4 ANIMAL CARE ANNEX A.4.1 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.4.2 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 Head 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. Promote defecation before transporting animal. Amphibians Transport in plastic bags or plastic containers filled with water. DART Role The Montecito Heights DART will be responsible coordinating all animal rescue operations in accordance with the ASNC Community Response Team Communications Manual. A.4.3 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY ANIMAL PROCEDURES Following a disaster or during an emergency, the Montecito Heights DART team will assemble at the Montecito Heights Recreation Center. They will be providing temporary shelter and veterinary care. For the safety of all involved, animals will be kept in a separate area. DART should consider sending 1-2 members with each Search & Rescue Team to maximize efforts and ensure that animals left in the neighborhood are rescued. A.4.4 ANIMAL EVACUATION KIT CONTENTS 3 day supply of food and water Appropriate animal carrier Emergency Contact List Any medications needed Familiar toys/treats 20

23 A.5 SEARCH AND RESCUE ANNEX A.5.1 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.5.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES Search and Rescue is really two separate activities. During the Search phase, the team systematically inspects the area for victims. In the Rescue phase, the team aims to free the victim 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 victims first The Montecito Heights CERT will be responsible initiating Search and Rescue procedures and assigning teams to specific areas, in accordance with the ASNC Community Response Team Communications Manual. 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 Montecito Heights CERT team will assemble at the Montecito Heights Recreation Center and designate Search and Rescue Teams. Consider assigning a scribe to each Search and Rescue Team to ensure that the proper forms are completed and that important information is documented. Simple steps for conducting a Search Check for red or green door tags. Red tags mean that residents are requesting assistance. Use the lists of persons needing assistance maintained by Montecito Heights CERT, and Mosher and Homer Block Captains. 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. 21

24 Mark searched areas. Make a single diagonal slash on or next to the door just before entering. Make an opposite slash (creating an "X") when all occupants have been removed and the search of that area is finished. Document results. Keep records of removed victims and victims who remain trapped. Effective rescue operations have three functions: (1) Create a safe rescue environment, (2) Triage and stabilize victims and (3) Remove victims to safe rescue zone. Simple steps for conducting a Rescue 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. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Remove victims. 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. If possible, deceased victims should be wrapped in plastic sheeting (e.g., paint drop cloths, tarps, etc.) and secured with rope or twine. 22

25 A.6 TRIAGE AND TREATMENT ANNEX A.6.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to detail procedures that will be followed by triage and medical operations following a disaster. A.6.2 GENERAL PROCEDURES In the event that a disaster results in casualties, 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 Montecito Heights Recreation Center will be designated for triage, treatment, and morgue operations as needed. A sample Disaster Medical Organization Chart is attached. Prior to disaster incidents, the Montecito Heights neighborhood should create a list of the capabilities needed for Triage and Treatment, to include people who can lift a certain amount of weight to help move bodies, and should designate individuals to fill these roles. Triage and medical operations will be conducted in accordance with the Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual, Units 3 and 4. 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 It is anticipated that 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 Appropriate triage and treatment areas will be established and staffed at the Recreation Center as directed by the Incident Commander. These areas will include: Triage Area for initial assessment and sorting of victims for treatment based on the severity of their injuries. Treatment Area for providing medical services to victims. Morgue for temporary storage of decedents. Transport Area for victims awaiting transport to hospitals or other treatment facilities. Supply Area for the storage, sorting and dispensing of supplies. Triage Methods Triage will be conducted utilizing the Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment (START) method, using the four triage categories: 23

26 Immediate. Victim needs immediate care for life-threatening injuries. Delayed. Victim 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 attached Triage Decision Flowchart. Here is the general procedure for CERTs to conduct 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, Community Emergency Response 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 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 the victims. Step 3: Start where you stand, and follow a systematic route. Start with the closest victims and work outward in a systematic fashion. Step 4: Evaluate each victim and tag them I (immediate), D (delayed), M (minor), or DEAD. Remember to evaluate the walking wounded. Remember to ASK for permission to treat if the individual is conscious. Step 5: Treat I victims immediately. Initiate airway management, bleeding control, and/or treatment for shock for Category I victims. Step 6: Document triage results for: Effective deployment of resources Information on the victims 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 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. 24

27 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. Take photographs, if possible. Wrap bodies in plastic and secure with rope or twine if supplies are available. If it is anticipated that bodies must be stored for an extended period (weeks), bodies may be temporarily buried in shallow graves. Be sure to document the location and identification of all buried bodies. Transportation Victims requiring further treatment should be transported to an appropriate treatment facility as soon as safe transportation can be arranged. In the interim, keep victims as comfortable as possible; out of the elements; and hydrated. 25

28 Figure A.2: Triage Decision Flow Chart Source: Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participation Manual 26

29 A.7 NEIGHBORHOOD CARE CENTER ANNEX A.7.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to detail procedures for the activation and operation of a Neighborhood Care Center. Definition A Neighborhood Care Center is a neighborhood location established during/after a disaster where children, older adults, persons with disabilities and other 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 areas housing 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 ADA access requirements and have the capacity to accommodate access and functional needs populations. If possible, children should be separated from adults. The neighborhood should strive to create a safe atmosphere within the Care Center to promote relationship building. The Neighborhood Care Center for the Mosher/Homer Street neighborhood will be located in the Senior Center at the Montecito Heights Recreation Center. Staffing Criteria Care Centers should ideally be staffed with trained professionals. However, in a disaster situation, Centers will have to be staffed with available personnel. 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 trained/experienced personnel are not available, select persons who are known to the neighborhood. Assign at least one person to provide constant supervision to the children s area and at least one person to the adult area. 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. 27

30 Designate 1 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. 28

31 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 Mosher/Homer 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 (Montecito Heights Recreation Center parking lot), and follow the procedures listed in Section 2.6 of the Basic Plan. If there is no immediate threat, remain at home (shelter in place). 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 candles or 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 CERT 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. 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 29

32 from the street. If no help is needed, hang the OK side facing out. If help is needed, place the Help/Ayuda side facing out. Use the car radio to get information if battery-powered radios are not available. Cell phones can be recharged in the car also. Neighborhood Response Actions The following response actions will be taken by the neighborhood under CERT leadership: If the incident poses no immediate danger, encourage families to stay in their homes. Establish a command post in the parking lot of the Recreation Center to coordinate response. Establish communications with the Fire Department. Deploy Search and Rescue Team(s) (See Annex A.5, Search and Rescue Annex) to determine if there are injuries or if there are persons dependent upon power-operated durable medical equipment. If the incident poses an immediate threat and residents gather at the Recreation Center, notify residents to assemble at the Recreation Center parking lot, and organize in accordance with Section 2.7 of the Basic Plan. If the incident lasts, or is anticipated to last for more than 24 hours, the Logistics Section should organize efforts to procure and transport water, food (including pet food) and other essential supplies. If necessary, establish a distribution center for water, food and other essential supplies at the Recreation Center. Use portable generators identified in the Neighborhood Assets section of the Basic Plan to provide essential power. 30

33 A.9 WILDFIRE ANNEX A.9.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this Annex is to detail the actions and procedures that will be taken as a result of a wildfire in the vicinity or immediate area of the Mosher/Homer neighborhood. This Annex is designed to supplement actions and procedures prescribed in the Basic Plan and other Annexes. A.9.2 SITUATION DESCRIPTION Wildfires are a constant threat in Southern California, especially in dry seasons and when Santa Ana winds are present. The hills above the Mosher/Homer neighborhood pose a distinct wildfire threat and have experienced wildfires in the past. A wildfire starting in the hills could potentially threaten to engulf the homes along Mosher and Homer. Even if a wildfire poses no immediate threat of spreading to the homes in the neighborhood, the smoke and ash from a wildfire could threaten public health, especially for those persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions. A.9.3 RESPONSE STRAEGY Individual and Family Response Actions Individuals and families should take the actions listed below in response to a wildfire threat: Lessen the threat to your home by clearing brush from around homes and outbuildings (50 of clearance is recommended) and having garden hoses front and rear. If the wildfire poses an immediate threat to homes in the neighborhood, follow the instructions of public safety officials or the local CERT to evacuate, or go to the Neighborhood Gathering Place (Montecito Heights Recreation Center Parking Lot). If advised to assemble at the Neighborhood Gathering Place, follow the procedures detailed in Section 2.6 of the Basic Plan. If ordered to evacuate, DO SO AT ONCE. If no evacuation has been ordered, stay inside and hang the Emergency Door Tag on the front door or window so that it is visible from the street. If no help is needed, hang the OK side facing out. If help is needed, place the Help/Ayuda side facing out. If the wildfire does not pose an immediate threat, take actions to reduce the threat of inhalation of harmful smoke and ash by closing doors and windows and wearing face masks when going outside. Keep children, older adults, and anyone with respiratory difficulty inside and avoid strenuous physical activity. Stay tuned to radio, television and other media to obtain situation updates and instructions. Be on the alert for burning embers. Have water hoses ready to douse embers and hose down roofs, if necessary. 31

34 Neighborhood Response Actions CERT will take the lead on the following neighborhood response actions: Establish a command post in the parking lot of the Recreation Center. Establish communications with the Fire Department. Monitor commercial media (radio and television) to keep informed of fire conditions. Deploy Search and Rescue Team(s) (see Annex A.5, Search and Rescue Annex) to scout the neighborhood and determine if any residents require assistance. Deploy an observation team to provide advance warning if the wildfire becomes a threat to homes in the neighborhood. In the event that the wildfire threatens to engulf the neighborhood, advise the Fire Department and request evacuation instructions. Assist the Fire Department in notifying residents of the order to evacuate, and/or assemble at the Recreation Center parking lot. In the event that residents are advised to assemble at the Recreation Center parking lot, organize response in accordance with Section 2.7 of the Basic Plan. 32