Keeping the City Safe

During the early morning hours on Saturday, September 25, 2010, many C-PAB Board Members (Community Police Advisory Board) attended the 17^th Annual C-PAB Summit in Downtown Los Angeles. Focus on this year’s summit was on “Preparedness” and the city’s resources to help Los Angeles survive a disastrous event from wild fires, earthquakes and terrorism.

The first part of the summit provided many speakers who reported on what to expect, what to do, and how to do it.

Dr. Lucy Jones--Chief Scientist, United States Geological Survey

As stated in Dr. Jones presentation, it is her job to scare us…but rightfully so. Some highlights from her eye-opening presentation:

• ·         Our next quake will come from the San Andreas fault and every southern Californian needs to be ready.
• ·         It will have huge impact not only for southern California but much of the nation as well; 40% of US goods come through Los Angeles and ALL freeways and railroads cross the San Andreas fault.
• ·         Water systems could be out for six months…”If you have some water stored for an earthquake, then store more. You will need A LOT of water.”
• ·         The next California Shake Out will be October 21, 2010. Visit Shake Out for more information.

James G. Featherstone--General Manager, Emergency Management Department

Featherstone’s presentation focused on what city departments are preparing for to effectively manage response and systems in the event of a disaster from pandemic flu and terrorism to wild fires and earthquakes.

• ·         When disaster strikes, remember this when reacting: Start with you, then family, move on to neighbors and finally your community.
• ·         “Plan for REAL, not easy.”

Mary E. Grady—Public Information Director, Public Information Office

Grady’s presentation highlighted “”iWatch” a new program spearheaded by the LAPD and being adopted nationwide. It is a community based reporting program to help keep us safe from terrorism. By reporting suspicious behavior from chemical smells, unusual photographers to strangers asking about your building’s security we can provide crucial clues to potential terrorist attacks before they happen. To learn more visit iWatch.

Later in the afternoon, all C-PAB members from across Los Angeles, had the opportunity to participate in numerous activities from experiencing a 5.0 earthquake in the “Quakey-Shakey-Schoolhouse,” emergency shelter construction, and a demonstration in electrical safety from the DWP to seeing state-of-the-art emergency response vehicles and a tour of the new 911 Dispatch Center and the Metropolitan Detention Center.

In the meantime, I'll see you around the neighborhood.