■ Chief issues reminder to residents on disaster due diligence

If the recent Napa earthquake hasn’t served as a reminder, Benicia Fire Department and other agencies will spread the word as they mark September as National Preparedness Month.

Fire Chief Jim Lydon said the theme for September 2014 is “Be disaster aware, take time to prepare.”

His department will provide multiple opportunities for residents to learn more about becoming better prepared in case of a disaster, he said.

“The occurrence of the recent South Napa earthquake is certainly a reminder to everyone about the potential for disasters to occur in our area and the need for us all to be prepared,” he said.

Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson and the City Council issued a proclamation Tuesday that showed the city’s commitment to disaster preparedness and its recognition of the efforts of various agencies and organizations to make sure the city and its residents are ready in case of emergencies.

“Benicia residents are encouraged to participate in one of the available disaster preparedness classes that are offered through the Benicia Emergency Response Team (BERT),” Lydon said.

BERT is one of many community emergency response teams formed after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

That event 25 years ago in the San Francisco Bay Area showed that in a disaster, people need to be able to take care of themselves, he said, because professional emergency responders may be overtaxed and not have enough people to dispatch or can be blocked physically from those in need of help.

“The BERT program uses community volunteer instructors operating under the oversight of the Benicia Fire Department,” Lydon said. “The training program provides an opportunity for residents to become better prepared to take care of themselves and their neighbors during a disaster event.”

BERT is now planning its 29th series of classes, the organization’s spokesman, Larry Whitney, said.

At Tuesday’s meeting, after the city proclamation was read, Whitney said the document “isn’t really about city government.”

Explaining that Benicia’s police and fire departments and his own organization constantly deal in preparedness, he said, “This is about you, and about me.”

He asked each resident to do four things:

• Make a plan, one that doesn’t start “It can’t happen here’;

• Assemble an emergency kit;

• Get involved; and

• Stay informed.

The proclamation itself also recommends residents have a stock of three days’ worth of essential supplies, including water, food that won’t spoil, and a hand-cranked or battery-operated radio, with backup batteries so residents can follow emergency broadcasts.

For six consecutive Mondays, meeting from 6:30-9:30 p.m. starting Sept. 8, residents taking BERT classes will be taught skills they would need not only to save themselves and their families, but also how to help neighbors and other members of the community, particularly in case of a disaster so great that emergency responders would be unable to provide help immediately, Whitney said.

“In a disaster or local emergency, planning and preparation increases each Benicia family’s resilience, its ability to survive and carry on,” he said. “This training is a good first step.”

Among the topics are personal and family disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medicine, light search and rescue, team organization and communications, disaster psychology, terrorism and community teams.

“If you are concerned about the safety and welfare of your family, this class if a good way to prepare for the unexpected,” John Williams, BERT instructor, said.

The final day of the course, Oct. 18, is a hands-on “Disaster Simulation and Skills Day,” which will give those attending a chance to practice what they have learned, Whitney said.

The BERT Basic Course is conducted by experienced BERT members, including graduates of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) “Train the Trainer” program.

“This training gives graduates a sense of self-confidence, control and knowledge in the middle of the chaos of a disaster. The skills we learn will help us to help our neighbors when they need that help most,” said Sue Maddux, BERT logistics chief.

Those interested may register at www.BeniciaBERT.com or by completing an application at the Benicia Fire Department’s Fire Station 11, 150 Military West, during business hours. There is no charge for the course, but advance registration is required because seating is limited.

Graduates receive an extensive course manual and a pack containing personal protective equipment and response supplies. Graduates are also eligible to join BERT.

Another organization that works alongside BERT and conducts its own activities is the Benicia Amateur Radio Club (BARC).

Lydon said BARC operates in support of his department’s disaster preparedness programs. BARC will be conducting a federally accredited examination Sept. 13 at Fire Station 11 for those community members interested in obtaining their FCC operator’s license.

Some BARC members also will participate in regional-level training Sept. 15, and in regional exercises throughout September that will assure that in an emergency, an alternate communication system would be operable, Lydon said.

Benicia Emergency Operations Center will be participating in various activities as well, he said.

Lydon said residents can research disaster preparedness themselves from multiple Internet sites, such as that of FEMA and the California Office of Emergency Services.

“The fire department will be sharing information from some of these sites, as well as other resources, each week this month,” Lydon said.

“Again, we encourage everyone to be disaster aware and to take the time to prepare for the occurrence of a disaster that impacts our community,” he said. “If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Benicia Fire Department during business hours at 707-746-4275.”

Continuing its focus on emergency preparedness, the fire department will be at the Benicia Certified Farmers Market on Oct. 2, where it will distribute disaster preparedness information.

“Please stop by to see us,” Lydon said.