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www.PetalumaCRC.org

https://www.facebook.com/PetalumaCRC/

PETALUMA COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL HOSTS

Disaster Preparedness Forum

Tuesday June 12, 2018

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Petaluma Community Center, ACTIVITY ROOM, 320 North McDowell Blvd., Petaluma CA, 94954

➢ Chair, Rabbi Feldman welcomes those in attendance and briefly explains why PCRC was hosting this forum.

➢ Introduction of PCRC Coordinating Committee Members, Elece Hempel, John Kennedy and Phyllis Tajii

➢ Reading of Mission Statement – Elece Hempel

➢ Reading of Vision Statement – John Kennedy

➢ FIRST PRESENTER: Project Manager Wendy Wheelwright, with CA HOPE, Crisis Counseling and Training Assistance

Program Sonoma County Behavioral Health.

➢ SECOND PRESENTERS: Police Chief Ken Savano and Jeff Schach, Assistant Fire Chief, Petaluma

➢ Question and comments from audience

➢ Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM

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www.PetalumaCRC.org

https://www.facebook.com/PetalumaCRC/

Disaster Preparedness Forum Report

➢ Rabbi Feldman welcomes those in attendance and briefly explains why PCRC was hosting this forum

➢ Introduction of PCRC Coordinating Committee Members, Elece Hempel, John Kennedy and Phyllis Tajii

➢ Reading of Mission Statement – Elece Hempel

➢ Reading of Vision Statement – John Kennedy

➢ FIRST PRESENTER: Project Manager Wendy Wheelwright, with CA HOPE, Crisis Counseling and Training Assistance

Program Sonoma County Behavioral Health.

BIO: Wendy Wheelwright is a skilled clinician, working within Community Mental Health for the past 20 years.

She is currently the Project Manager for California HOPE, a FEMA-funded program to support the emotional recovery of disaster

survivors.

Additionally, she serves as the Workforce Education and Training Coordinator for Sonoma County Behavioral Health Division,

facilitating staff development, credentialing, and clinical fidelity of specialty programs.

Prior to assuming her role at Sonoma County, she worked with Progress Foundation overseeing the start-up, day-to-day operation, and

expansion of the Crisis Residential Unit from a single 6-bed program to multiple 10-12 bed programs.

Wendy also has extensive experience as a Forensic Therapist, working with mandated treatment programs, Probation, CPS, and

Victim Assistance.

She maintains a small private-practice in Santa Rosa, specializing in Trauma-Based Disorders.

Wendy currently holds a faculty position with the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Masters in Counseling program on

weekends and evenings.

1. Wendy told the room that she was in a unique position to address long-term physical and emotional trauma brought on by

disaster, as she too lost her home in the October 2017 fires. Putting her own personal needs aside, she was one of hundreds of trained

professionals who collectively clocked 13,000 hours toward disaster relief in shelters and re-entry sites.

She gave an in-depth review of the physical and emotional affects brought on by disaster, starting with an overview of the nationally

recognized Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP), which, she said is branded as California Hope, in our state.

• CCP’s mission is to assist individuals and communities in recovering from the challenging effects of natural and human-

caused disasters.

• CCP’s counseling goals include:

1. Helping disaster survivors understand their current situations and reactions.

2. Reducing stress and providing emotional support.

3. Assisting survivors in reviewing their disaster recovery options.

4. Promoting the use or development of coping strategies.

5. Connecting survivors with other people and agencies who can help them in their recovery process.

• There are four area agency providers within Sonoma County:

1. Council on Aging (COA)

2. Goodwill Redwood Empire (GIRE)

3. Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC)

4. West County Community Services

In a chilling narrative, she described how quickly four separate fires blew through portions of Sonoma County.

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Sunday October 8th, as a series of fires fanned out across Northern California, one of those fires, known as the Tubbs Fire,

erupted at around 9:43pm on Tubbs Lane in Calistoga.

Seventeen minutes later, a second fire flared up. At 10:00pm, what would be named the Nuns Fire, blew across Bennet

Valley through the Sonoma Valley and surrounding hills, scorching more than one-third of Kenwood.

By 1:00am, October 9th, the wind-fueled flames of the Tubbs fire reached Santa Rosa City limits, roaring through the

Fountaingrove area, and sweeping down ravines in Mark West Springs Road.

An hour later, it had stormed across Highway 101, destroying nearly all the units at Journey’s End mobile home park.

By 4:30am it reached Coffey Park.

In the meantime, a third fire, known as the Pocket Fire erupted at around 3:30am, burning the hilly terrain east of

Geyserville.

Then a fourth fire (known as the 37 Fire) flared up at 2:00 pm off Highway 37.

In the end, October’s raging fires ravaged more than 112,000 acres, destroyed over 5,000 homes and took 23 lives.

The wildfires that erupted without warning, fanned by intense winds, forced victims, emergency responders and volunteers into

overdrive, with no immediate sign of relief. No one felt the mental and physical strain at the time, but Wendy said, people are now

experiencing what she referred to as “Disaster after disaster,” when the body literally tells you, no more. Expounding on the lingering

effects of post-traumatic stress, she highlighted the range of feelings and emotions people experience, up to the physical effects

brought on by disasters, defining them emotional highs and emotional lows. Loss of life, loss of home, loss of livelihood. At no point

was there time to unwind. In fact, many are still struggling in the aftermath.

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In her chart she gauged the course of emotional lows and highs starting from the impact to the heroism, to the honeymoon (community

cohesion) to disillusionment and finally reconstruction.

She said that with any disaster there are peaks and lows and will continue long after the disaster is over – “Disaster after the Disaster.”

Wendy referred to recent events that can trigger both emotional and physical reactions. For example, the recent high winds that swept

through our area put a number of people on edge. Winds that might not have bothered anyone in the past, have a far different effect

now.

She said that even though we should all do our part in disaster preparedness, the emotional and physical toll has sent many into an

emotionally depressed place, where they can no longer cope. Asking these people to prepare for the next disaster isn’t possible. She

said they are still recovering and cannot fathom another disaster at this stage. “Many have been in that go-mode since October and

haven’t come out.”

The signs of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion start taking form generally after six months – “the six-month mark” -- when

for half a year people have been literally running on empty and they reach a breaking point. “The body says, I’m done.” And the

physical effects start to show, in four ways:

1. Physical Reactions

✓ Gastrointestinal problems

✓ Headaches, aches, and pains

✓ Weight change

✓ Sweating or chills

✓ Tremors or muscle twitching

✓ Clumsiness, increased accidents

✓ Increased reactivity to stimuli such as sound and light (being easily startled)

✓ Chronic fatigue or sleep disturbances

✓ Immune system disorders

✓ Sexual dysfunction

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2. Emotional Reactions

✓ Heroic, euphoric, or invulnerable feeling

✓ Denial

✓ Anxiety or fear

✓ Depression

✓ Guilt

✓ Apathy

✓ Grief

3. Cognitive Reactions

✓ Disorientation and confusion

✓ Poor concentration

✓ Difficulty setting priorities or making decisions

✓ Loss of objectivity

✓ Recurring dreams, nightmares, or flashbacks

✓ Preoccupation with disaster

4. Behavioral Reactions

✓ Change in activity level

✓ Alcohol and drug use or abuse

✓ Increased use of over-the-counter medications

✓ Difficulty communicating or listening

✓ Irritability, anger, or frequent arguments

✓ Declining job performance

✓ Frequent crying

✓ Difficulty sleeping

✓ Avoidance of triggering places or activities

Wendy added that some can undergo spiritual reactions.

✓ Survivors may seek the comfort that comes from spiritual beliefs

✓ Spiritual beliefs will assist some survivors with coping and resilience

✓ Survivors may question their beliefs and life structures

She said these long-term effects are a result of no intervention. To illustrate how serious post traumatic stress can be, she provided the

following information gathered by the CCP.

CCP Data Report: Sonoma Complex-Fires October 2017 – December 2017

Total Number of Services

Service Encounter Type Number of Services Encounters

Individual/Family Crisis Counseling Services Data Unavailable Group/Public Education Services 168

Brief Intervention Services 21,442 Total Service Encounters 21,610

Total Individuals Served

Service Encounter Type Number of Individual Participants

Individual/Family Crisis Counseling Services 627 Group/Public Education Services 26,002

Brief Intervention Services 21,442 Total Service Encounters 48,071

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Individual/Family Crisis Counseling Service Encounters

Total number of Individuals: 627 at Local Area Assistance Center

Risk Factors Type of Risk Factor Percentage of Participants Reporting Risk Factor

Family Missing/Dead 15%

Pet Missing/Dead 20%

Home Destroyed/Damaged 75%

Evacuated Quickly with no Warning 85%

Past Trauma 75%

Pre-existing Disability; Substance Use; Mental Health Issue

60%

Event Reactions Type of Reaction Percentage of Participants Reporting Reaction

Behavioral 60%

Emotional 95%

Physical 80%

Cognitive 90%

Brief Intervention Encounters

Total Number of Individuals Served: 21,442

Total Number of Materials Distributed: 2,758

Type of Contact Number of Individuals Served

In-Person Brief Educational or Supportive Contact 20,031

Telephone Contact by Crisis Counselor 1,334

Hotline Contact 3

Community Networking and Coalition Building 74

92%

8%

0%

Group Counseling Participants

Under Age 18

Ages 18-64

Age 65 and Older

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CCP Data Report: Sonoma-Complex Fires January 2018 – May 2018

Overall Service Trends:

Individual/Family Crisis Counseling Service Encounters

Total number of Services: 307 Encounters

Total number of Individuals: 494 Participants

0

200

400

600

NU

MB

ER O

F SE

RV

ICE

ENC

OU

NTE

RS

21-Jan

28-Jan

18-Feb

11-Mar

25-Mar

1-Apr 8-Apr15-Apr

22-Apr

29-Apr

6-May

13-May

20-May

27-May

# of Individual/Family Services 2 7 0 7 0 2 0 7 53 59 40 41 57 32

# of Group/Public EducationServices

1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 2 2 4 0 0

# of Brief Intervention Services 58 35 55 25 89 540 569 199 374 209 59

Weekly Trends

1%

3%

13%1%

82%

Individuals Served

Asian

African American

Latino/a

Native American

White

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Risk Factors Reported Risk Number of Participants

Reporting Percentage of Total Participants (n=494)

Family Missing/Dead 2 0.40%

Friend Missing/Dead 2 0.40%

Pet Missing/Dead 9 1.82%

Home Damaged or Destroyed 84 17.00%

Vehicle or Major Property Loss 66 13.36%

Other Financial Loss 246 49.80%

Disaster Unemployed 10 2.02%

Life was Threatened 19 3.85%

Witnessed Death/Injury 12 2.43%

Assisted with Rescue/Recovery 57 11.54%

Had to Change Schools 15 3.04%

Prolonged Separation from Family 7 1.42%

Evacuated Quickly with no Time to Prepare 179 36.23%

Displaced from Home 1 Week or More 130 26.32%

Sheltered in Place or Sought Shelter 60 12.15%

Past Substance Use/Mental Health Problem 80 16.19%%

Preexisting Physical Disability 40 8.10%

Past Trauma 148 29.96%

0%1%1%

23%

61%

14%

Males

Preschool

Child

Adolescent

Adult (18-39)

Adult (40-64)

Adult (65 or older)

0%0%1%

26%

56%

17%

Females

Preschool

Child

Adolescent

Adult (18-39)

Adult (40-64)

Adult (65 or older)

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Behavioral Reaction Number of Participants Reporting

Percentage of Total Participants (N=494)

Extreme Change in Activity Level 17 3.44%

Excessive Drug or Alcohol Use 12 2.43%

Isolation/Withdrawal 36 7.29%

On Guard/Hypervigilant 109 22.06%

Agitated/Jittery/Shaky 37 7.49%

Violent or Dangerous Behavior 1 0.20%

Acts Younger than Age 22 4.45%

Emotional Reaction Number of Participants Reporting

Percentage of Total Participants (N=494)

Sadness, Tearful 115 23.28%

Irritable, Angry 42 8.50%

Anxious, Fearful 80 16.19%

Despair, Hopeless 21 4.25%

Feelings of Guilt/Shame 26 5.26%

Numb, Disconnected 30 6.07%

Physical Reaction Number of Participants Reporting

Percentage of Total Participants (N=494)

Headaches 19 3.85%

Stomach Problems 22 4.45%

Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep 41 8.30%

Eating Problems 6 1.21%

Worsening of Health Problems 30 6.07%

Fatigue, Exhaustion 61 12.35%

2 2 9

84 66

246

12 19 1257

15 7

179

130

6080

40

148

0

100

200

300

Number of Participants Reporting Risk

Risk Factors

Family Missing/Dead Friend Missing/Dead

Pet Missing/Dead Home Damaged/Destroyed

Vehicle or Major Property Loss Other Financial Loss

Disaster Unemployed Life was Threatened

Witnessed Death/Injury Assisted with Rescue/Recovery

Had to Change Schools Prolonged Separation from Family

Evacuated Quickly with no Time to Prepare Displaced from Home 1 Week or More

Sheltered in Place Past Substance Use/Menthal Health Problem

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Cognitive Reaction Number of Participants Reporting

Percentage of Total Participants (N=494)

Distressing Dreams, Nightmares 31 6.28%

Intrusive Thoughts, Images 38 7.69%

Difficulty Concentrating 60 12.15%

Difficulty Remembering Things 34 6.88%

Difficulty Making Decisions 45 9.11%

Preoccupied with Death/Destruction 5 1.01%

Group/Public Education Service Encounters

Total number of Services: 21 Encounters

Total number of Individuals: 1,026 Participants

20%

23%

12%12%

33%

Event Reactions

Behavioral

Emotional

Physical

Cognitive

Coping Well

3%

58%

39%

Group Participants

Under Age 18

Ages 18-64

Age 65 and Older

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Brief Intervention Service Encounters

Total Encounters/Individuals Served: 2,212

Type of Contact Number of People Served

In-Person Brief Educational or Supportive Contact 1,383

Telephone Contact by Crisis Counselor 141

Email Contact 100

Community Networking and Coalition Building 588

Wendy said that to truly understand those who are in need, is to know who is at risk.

✓ Injured survivors; bereaved family members

✓ Survivors with high exposure to disaster trauma or evacuated from disaster zones

✓ Bereaved extended family and friends, first responders

✓ People who lost homes, jobs, or possessions; people with preexisting trauma and dysfunction; special populations; other

disaster responders

✓ Affected people from the larger community

Whether you lost a home, a loved one, your livelihood, or spent a countless days and nights helping victims who did, or spent every

waking hour between October 9 and November 11, ready to evacuate at any given moment, the fallout from the disaster effected

everyone. Reactions brought on by a traumatic episode are not uncommon. Post-traumatic stress is a very real condition. Intervention,

Wendy emphasized, is critical, and in some cases, if you wait too long to seek help, it may be too late.

➢ Expounding on Wendy’s remarks, Rabbi Ted said, “We pretend our world has returned to normal.” Disaster preparedness

should be at the forefront of our minds. With that, he introduced Police Chief Ken Savano and Jeff Schach, Assistant Fire

Chief, Petaluma, who gave a joint presentation, providing their own nerve-wracking accounts of the disaster; spelling out the

roles of both emergency responders and residents, before, during and after disasters.

BIO: Jeff Schach has been with the Petaluma Fire Department since March of 2000.

Prior to that he volunteered as a firefighter with the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District and worked four seasons as a firefighter

with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the Sonoma Unit. He was a Combat Medic for eight years in the

Army Reserves and honorably discharged at the rank of E-5 Sergeant.

He has worked in a number of positions, including serving as Fire Captain, EMS/Administration Battalion Chief, and now serves as

the Assistant Fire Chief of the Petaluma Fire Department.

BIO: Police Chief Ken Savano, started his law enforcement career with the Petaluma Police Department in 1994. He rose through

the ranks, becoming a Sergeant four years later, and named Lieutenant in 2014. In 2017, after 23 years of service, he was named Chief

of Police. He is also a member of the Petaluma Community Relations Council.

Both Savano and Schach shared their experiences during the October fires. Schach told attendees that’s the public must realize when

disaster strikes, the first job is to evacuate. The second job is to tackle the disaster. With limited resources, both agencies were

stretched thin. Dispatching emergency personnel was a priority for both fire and police, and the challenge was to maintain adequate

resources in Petaluma while answering the call for mutual aid.

In October 2017, 8 counties in Northern California were under siege.

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Name County Acres Start date

Containment date

Deaths Notes

Cherokee Butte 8,417 October 8,

2017 October 16, 2017

Atlas Napa, Solano 51,624 October 8,

2017 October 28, 2017 6 781 structures destroyed, 40 structures damaged

Tubbs Napa, Sonoma 36,807 October 8,

2017 October 31, 2017 22 5,643 structures destroyed, 1 injured

Nuns Napa, Sonoma 56,556 October 8,

2017 October 30, 2017 3

Merged with the Norrbom, Adobe, Partrick, Pressley, and Oakmont Fires. 1,355 structures destroyed

Redwood Valley Complex

Mendocino 36,523 October 9,

2017 October 26, 2017 9 545 structures destroyed, 43 injured

La Porte Butte 6,151 October 9,

2017 October 19, 2017

Cascade Yuba 9,989 October 9,

2017 October 19, 2017 4 143 residential and 123 outbuildings destroyed

Sulphur Lake 2,207 October 9,

2017 October 26, 2017 150 structures destroyed

37 Fire Sonoma 1,660 October 9,

2017 October 12, 2017 25 structures destroyed, 55 structures damaged

Pocket Sonoma 17,357 October 9,

2017 October 31, 2017

Lobo Nevada 821 October 9,

2017 October 18, 2017 At least 30 structures destroyed

Bear Santa Cruz 391 October 16,

2017 October 27, 2017 4 structures destroyed, 7 injuries

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_2017_Northern_California_wildfires

Starting October 9, the fire department was able to assign 30 personnel to area fires.

According to the city’s web site, The Petaluma Fire Department has “58 full-time personnel, 51 of which are uniformed. The

Department operates three fire stations, a Fire Training Center and nearly 14 pieces of emergency apparatus. The Department serves a

population of 60,000 residents in a 14 square mile area.”

http://www.cityofpetaluma.net/firedept/history.html

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NUNS / ADOBE / NORRBOM/ PRESSLEY / PARTRICK FIRES / OAKMONT (CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX)

Nuns / Adobe / Norrbom/ Pressley / Partrick Fires / Oakmont (Central LNU Complex) Incident Information:

Last Updated: February 9, 2018 9:30 am FINAL

Date/Time Started: October 8, 2017 10:00 pm

Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit

County: Napa County, Sonoma County

Location: Hwy 12, north of Glen Ellen

Acres Burned - Containment:

56,556 acres - 100% contained

Structures Destroyed: 1,355 destroyed / 172 damaged

37 FIRE

37 Fire Incident Information:

Last Updated: January 9, 2018 1:34 pm FINAL

Date/Time Started: October 9, 2017 2:00 pm

Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit

County: Sonoma County

Location: Hwy 37 & Lakeville Highway

Estimated - Containment: 1,660 acres - 100% contained

POCKET FIRE (CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX)

Pocket Fire (Central LNU Complex) Incident Information:

Last Updated: February 9, 2018 9:32 am FINAL

Date/Time Started: October 9, 2017 3:30 am

Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit

County: Sonoma County

Location: off of Pocket Ranch Rd and Ridge Ranch Rd, Geyserville

Acres Burned - Containment: 17,357 acres - 100% contained

Structures Destroyed: 6 destroyed / 2 damaged

PRESSLEY FIRE (CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX)

Pressley Fire (Central LNU Complex) Incident Information:

Last Updated: January 9, 2018 1:34 pm FINAL

Date/Time Started: October 9, 2017 1:30 am

Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit

County: Sonoma County

Location: east of Rohnert Park

Acres Burned - Containment: The Pressley Fire is now a part of the Nuns Fire

ADOBE FIRE (CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX)

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Adobe Fire (Central LNU Complex) Incident Information:

Last Updated: January 9, 2018 1:33 pm FINAL

Date/Time Started: October 9, 2017 1:00 am

Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit

County: Sonoma County

Location: near Kenwood

Acres Burned - Containment: The Adobe Fire is now a part of the the Nuns Fire

Conditions: The Adobe Fire is now a part of the the Nuns Fire

OAKMONT FIRE (CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX)

Oakmont Fire (Central LNU Complex) Incident Information:

Last Updated: April 5, 2018 12:01 pm FINAL

Date/Time Started: October 14, 2017 8:35 pm

Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit

County: Sonoma County

Location: east side of Highway 12 near the Oakmont community

Acres Burned - Containment:

The Oakmont Fire is now part of the Nuns Fire.

Estimated - Containment: 100 acres

Information obtained from CA Fire website: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_cur_search_results?search=Sonoma%20County

Information presented about the Northern California wildfires on Wikipedia’s web site noted:

“Days prior to the wildfires, the National Weather Service had begun issuing red-flag warnings throughout much of

northern California as conditions were expected to become extremely volatile, with winds expected to be gusting

between 25 and 35 miles per hour from the north to the south. By the evening of October 8, the Diablo winds were

reported gusting up to 70 miles per hour within the affected areas as over a dozen wildfires began to break out.

“More than 10,000 firefighters battled the blaze, using more than 1000 fire engines and other equipment, with crews

arriving from as far away as Canada and Australia.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_2017_Northern_California_wildfires

Both Schach and Savano said that in the early hours of the powerful infernos, getting resources was nearly impossible. As reported in

the San Francisco Chronicle, requests for aide went unanswered. Available personnel were simply no match for the size and scope of

the fires.

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https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Wine-Country-requested-hundreds-of-engines-in-12364777.php

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http://www.caloes.ca.gov/ICESite/Documents/october-fires-current-iap.pdf#search=October%202017%20fires

Schach said the rapid moving fires were out of control. “We couldn’t put it out.” Fueled by up to 70 mph winds, there was nothing

anyone could do that night, but to try to save lives.

Chief Savano said that the Petaluma Police Department jumped into action that night when his department received word from one of

its Sergeants, who called in from Windsor. Seven to 9 sworn personnel were assigned immediately to assist. More Police officers

would be added the following morning. He said when officers arrived in Fountaingrove, they were worried they wouldn’t be able to

get people out. Some officers actually rammed their patrol cars into the front doors to reach those possibly trapped inside. An

additional task was to evacuate the County jail if necessary.

He noted that the Police Department also faced challenges – assigning as many personnel to the emergency as the department could

afford, while maintaining a presence in Petaluma. “We had to protect Petaluma while serving the fires.”

He said that mutual aide was not in full swing in Oakmont and Kenwood. Officers radioed in that they were, “Trying to dodge death

while helping others.”

He echoed Schach, saying, “It took days before resources could arrive.”

The firestorm, he added, served as a grim reminder. “Be prepared to be on your own.”

He told the audience that while Petaluma does have an emergency alert system in place, the city typically relies on the county. But, he

added, “We can’t do that. We have to use our Communications Center to care for Petaluma.”

Schach said the biggest impact on our community will come from an earthquake. He offered three online resources that provide

information about disaster preparedness and what to do when disaster strikes.

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✓ The city of Petaluma’s, web page offers extensive information on flooding, fires and earthquakes. This site offers:

http://www.cityofpetaluma.net/firedept/disaster.html

▪ Earthquakes, Floods, Emergency Checklist, and Coping in a Disaster

▪ Earthquake Preparedness

▪ Floods & Winter Wise Your Family

▪ Helping Children Cope with Disaster

▪ Disaster Pack

✓ Ready.gov, which offers:

https://www.ready.gov/

▪ Tools on how residents can plan ahead for disasters

✓ The Great Shakeout, also includes readiness information as well as maps highlighting epicenters and faults.

https://www.shakeout.org/california/

▪ “In the past 150 years, nearly 40 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or larger have affected Northern California. Most of

these earthquakes were centered on faults nearby. But very large earthquakes located elsewhere in the Pacific basin,

like the 1964 magnitude 9.2 Alaska earthquake can generate tsunamis that threaten our coast.

“The Northern California Coast is the most tsunami-prone area of the continental United States.

“In the past 70 years: 34 tsunamis have been recorded on the North Coast. Five caused damage.”

https://www.shakeout.org/california/images/North_Coast_Probability_map.jpg

North Coast Area Epicenters and Faults https://www.shakeout.org/california/images/North_Coast_epicenters_map.jpg

Schach added the sites offer simple directions for shutting off gas, water, electricity, and how to use a fire extinguisher. He said that

residents should always have “go-bags” on hand, filled with a three-day supply. He added that it is also vital that neighbors reach out

to neighbors now. He said Ready.gov has all the paperwork and details that address neighborhood organizing.

Savano said that through Police Coordinated public meetings, they usually focus on relevant topics that include, crime, traffic, and

quality of life. He also said the department relies on Nextdoor to reach a broad base of residents. After being asked about including

disaster preparedness in the department’s PSA’s, he agreed that emergency preparedness could be included for discussion.

He noted that we have 60,000 people in Petaluma, and that it is “incumbent on us all,” to work together. “We are you, and you are us.

We [first emergency responders] can be the conduit.”

Savano went on to say that in an effort to keep the message going, “we can co-message with PCRC to draw attention and showcase

community partnerships, Fire/Police/PCRC.

He said that the Petaluma Police Department supports the Boy Scout’s annual disaster preparedness event, which is held in September.

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/alerts/national-preparedness-month/

This year it will be held Sunday September 23, 2018 at Walnut Park in Petaluma from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Guests will include:

Petaluma Mayor, City Council, Petaluma Fire and Police Departments, FEMA, DHS, Red Cross, US Coast Guard, Sonoma County

Sheriff’s Office, CHP, VFW/American Legion, local Boy and Girl Scout units, churches and schools.

Free emergency gifts will be given to the first 100 families who attend the event.

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The Community Emergency Preparedness Fair offers free hands on demonstrations including, CPR, emergency survival camping and

Dutch Oven cooking. Survival preparedness equipment, gear, food, First Aid Kits, and emergency survival kits will also be available.

https://www.facebook.com/troop9petaluma/

Schach mentioned an emergency preparedness handbook, that was put together by citizens 5 years ago. In 2013, the Adobe Creek

Association compiled a booklet with detailed information that included critical contact information.

https://adobecreekhoa.nabrnetwork.com/files/872/dyn8011/AD%20-

%20Disaster%20Prep%20Handbook%20%28full%20booklet%29.pdf

Two members in the audience said that in years past, the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce spearheaded an emergency preparedness

project, creating a one-stop shop booklet that provided all pertinent information specific to Petaluma.

They said the handbook was created not long after the October 17, 1989, Loma Prieta Quake, and should be updated.

Elece Hempel, a member of PCRC, and Executive Director of Petaluma People Services Center, which is associated with the Chamber

of Commerce, said she would notify the Chamber about resurrecting this important and timely project.

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Both Schach and Savano said neighborhood and community collaboration is key. Schach noted that those in attendance appeared to be

more prepared. “I’m preaching to the choir,” he added. He then used the horse to water analogy, to underscore Petaluma’s challenge –

to get the entire community on board and involved.

Rabbi Feldman said that PCRC would support efforts by residents and city leaders who would be interested in making a long-term

commitment to this endeavor.

At 7:55 pm, Rabbi Feldman thanked the guest speakers and community members for attending the first forum in Petaluma that

focused on disaster preparedness. He said it was clear there was much to be done and PCRC would be willing to facilitate and sponsor

additional meetings and disaster preparedness projects. In commenting on the information presented, he added, the forum, “helped

inspire us.”

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.