Photograph by Robert Scheer
Third-grader Keith Kearns is watched over by teacher Gail McCauley at Argonaut School. Kearns was asked to feign lack of consciousness during an earthquake drill. Redwood, Saratoga and Foothill schools also participated.
By Julie Mehta
Last Thursday marked the 90th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which struck in an era when few people were prepared for what a large earthquake could do. Today, government agencies are much better equipped with how to deal with the Big One, but officials say many citizens are unaware of how to tap into city services in case of emergency.
April is Earthquake Preparedness Month in California, the annual push to get residents to recognize how they can plan ahead for nature's fury.
On April 19, four Saratoga schools participated in an earthquake drill, which included "drop, cover, and hold" exercises, evacuation of classrooms, and the simulated injury and treatment of students.
On April 25, Saratoga Emergency Services Coordinator Paula Reeve will help facilitate a countywide exercise that will test the ability of various service agencies, such as the fire and sheriff's departments, to respond to emergencies. The Saratoga Amateur Radio Association, a group of ham radio operators, will assist in the exercise.
Reeve said Saratoga is in good shape in case of an earthquake or other emergency.
"We are small and have limited resources but all our departments are well-trained," she said.
One service the city provides that many may not know about is the round-the-clock Travelers' Information System on 1610 AM radio. The city obtained a license to broadcast on this public service channel from the Federal Communications Commission five years ago and purchased about $10,000 worth of radio equipment needed to use it, according to Reeve.
Normally, the station broadcasts emergency safety messages, road-closure bulletins, and general city information. Reeve updates the material every two weeks. During emergencies, the station airs regular updates and advice. In contrast to the more expansive Emergency Broadcasting System, this station is a locally focused outlet of information.
At a recent Public Safety Commission meeting, member Hugh Hexamer suggested getting the sheriff's department to air information and updating the messages on the station more often.
"I think we in Saratoga are very fortunate to have have this service. It's a way of reaching people," said Hexamer. "Part of getting people to use the service is keeping it fresh. In an emergency situation, timely information is the key to having effective citizen mobilization."
City Hall is equipped with extra phone lines and would become a center of operations for coordinating services in an emergency. The fire and sheriff's departments and all Saratoga schools have antennas to enable ham radio operators to relay information back to the city base if the phone lines go down.
The schools are also Red Cross shelters and have emergency supplies, but the primary evacuation center is the Community Center, located at 19655 Allendale Ave. There are large cargo containers funded by the Red Cross and filled with cots, food, and medical supplies placed around the city to help stock the shelters.
Reeve said one problem Saratoga faces is a lack of hospitals to provide emergency care. But she said there is a good mutual-aid system in place in the county, supported by a county association of emergency managers from each city that encourages an exchange of ideas and information.
Hexamer said the biggest obstacle to emergency preparedness is people's indifference to the possibility of disaster.
"Public agencies and the city can only do so much. Early response falls mainly to individuals," Hexamer said. He believes homeowners' associations can play an important role in motivating people to plan ahead. Here are a few ways citizens can start getting ready on their own:
* Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity lines;
* Make sure the water heater and tall furniture are firmly secured to the walls;
* Store emergency supplies of water, food, and prescription medicines, as well as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a first-aid kit;
* Make a family plan so your children will know what to do and learn about your kids' school emergency plan.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, April 24, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved