S.F. Mayor Newsom Announces Community Disaster Pilot Program

Mayor Gavin Newsom announced the creation of a pilot program that will help San Francisco communities develop their own disaster plans. The program, beginning in Supervisorial District 5, is designed to empower communities to work with city agencies to develop emergency response plans that are tailored to their unique needs.

"After a major disaster, we want the city's neighborhoods to know what to do," said Mayor Newsom. "This program will help communities help themselves."

The development of the District 5 Community Disaster Plan is being led by the city's Office of Emergency Services and Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Office of Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services and SF 5 Together.

"District 5 is home to a diverse group of active community organizations," said Supervisor Mirkarimi, "And we look forward to working with them to set the benchmark in creating a truly community-based emergency response plan."

The Community Disaster Plan suggests forming an Emergency Preparedness Committee to coordinate neighborhood disaster preparedness efforts. Other key elements include identifying resources such as recreation centers, congregations and neighborhood associations that can help support implementation of the plan, and outlining how residents can work together to improve their capacity to shelter safely in place for at least 72-hours post disaster.

The plan will strongly encourage residents to get involved in the San Francisco Fire Department's NERT Program (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team), which can serve as a cornerstone of becoming a prepared neighborhood. This Plan, however, extends beyond the NERT program and outlines strategies for devising a local response to disaster that complements the city and county of San Francisco 's larger Emergency Operations Plan.

This project will be applicable to entire districts, neighborhoods, or residential communities such as condominium and apartment complexes. The District 5 Plan will serve as a template to help other areas prepare for a major disaster.

"A prepared community can be better equipped to stabilize and recover during those first critical hours following a disaster. It can also allow emergency responders to focus on the most devastated areas," added Mayor Newsom.

The pilot program builds on the success of the city's other emergency preparedness efforts, including the www.72hours.org website.