In 2004, the Coalition began its efforts to prepare our community for disasters including fires, earthquakes, and floods by creating a Disaster Preparedness Committee. In the wake of Northern California firestorms, the Committee has become very active and now has over 30 members addressing the following goals:
- Training: Regularly present sessions on neighborhood organization, “One Hour to Get Ready”, CERT, and First Aid for Disaster Response (FADR);
- Neighborhood Preparedness: Organize the Coalition’s 18 HOA’s to be effective in “neighbor helping neighbor”;
- Evacuation & Refuge: Establish three evacuation sites and one triage site and position supplies at each;
- Community Resources: Encourage markets, pharmacies, gas stations, and other critical services to develop contingency plans to remain open during a prolonged power outage or disaster; and
- Utilities: Assess the ability of PG&E, Marin Water & Sewer, internet, and cellular service to continue operations during a disaster.
Much progress has been made in each of these areas. The activities of the committee have been coordinated with the County of Marin and with the City of San Rafael Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), whose Emergency Manager has also served as an instructor in our training programs.
On March 1, 2020, the Coalition undertook a fundraising campaign that exceeded the goal of raising $10,000 for the express purpose of funding the purchase of emergency supplies. The Coalition also submitted an application to the County of Marin for additional funds for supplies and received a $4,000 grant.
If you would like more information about joining the committee or more information on the activities of the Committee, please contact committee Chair, John Lenser, using the Contact the Disaster Prep Committee form.
The full Disaster Preparedness Committee Operating Guidelines & Procedures provides a detailed description of the Disaster Prep Committee and its objectives.