|
A Message from Jane Brunner:
Hurricane Katrina was a huge wake-up call for America. It laid bare for us the overwhelming power of nature and highlighted major shortcomings in our government's ability to provide basic care, comfort and security, especially in poor neighborhoods. Oaklanders watch these natural disasters and feel a unique empathy for the victims. As a community, we have endured earthquakes and wildfire. We know what it's like to evacuate our neighborhoods, ask after loved ones and wonder if we'll ever see our homes again.
For us in the Bay Area, Hurricane Katrina can't help but put a spotlight on our own vulnerability. Katrina was terrible, but it was tracked across the Gulf of Mexico, giving people days to prepare. The most likely disasters for Oakland, an earthquake or another hills fire, are not predictable at all-they could strike at any time. We also know that most of us will be without help from the police or fire departments for at least 72 hours.
Like elected officials across the country, your Oakland City Council is taking a renewed look at the state of our disaster preparedness and response. We are reviewing our risks and hazards, examining how well prepared we are and taking a hard look at where the gaps are in our response system.
We could not have stopped Katrina, and we cannot stop, or even predict, the next major earthquake, but we can plan carefully to secure ourselves and our families, and effectively help others when they are in harms way. I hope the resource links below will help your family to be prepared when disaster strikes.
Please visit the following websites for more information:
Citizen's of Oakland Respond to Emergencies
San Francisco Office of Emergency Services
|  |
