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Local and regional emergency managers and disaster service workers will exercise the valley’s emergency operations plan today as part of the Golden Guardian program.
The Golden Guardian drill aims to exercise and assess emergency operations plans, policies and procedures for all-hazards/catastrophic incidents across various levels of government. The statewide drill was first implemented by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 and has become the most comprehensive state-level exercise series program in the country.
“What is different about this drill is the time frame we are practicing,” said Ray Riordan, emergency manager for San Ramon. “Our exercise begins 48 hours after the initial 7.9 earthquake, allowing participants to practice recovery tactics, shelter operations, evacuations due to secondary emergencies, volunteer management and the coordination of local government resources.”
Officials at the emergency operations center (EOC) inside San Ramon Valley Fire District offices will run through several scenarios including dealing with secondary emergencies such as fires, debris management, care and shelter needs and natural gas events. Participants will respond to transportation issues, rescue efforts and command and control exchange.
The drill will also extend out of the EOC with a practical evacuation of a residential care facility and with community emergency response team (CERT) members visiting care homes throughout the community.
“Those with access and functional needs, such as the elderly, are one of our most vulnerable populations in an emergency,” said Debbie Vanek, code compliance officer for the Fire District and chair of the Residential Care Facility Working Group. “It is important that we work with our home based care givers to teach them how to evacuate their residents safely and quickly should they be in imminent danger.”
Participating agencies include, San Ramon Valley Fire Protections District, the city of San Ramon, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services and the California Emergency Management Agency.
For more information on the Golden Guardian Drill or for all media requests please contact Riordan at 570-1812.
