June 1, 2016  -  Brainstorming Session

Sustainability: On Our Own For 72 Hours…(at least)

Present:  Marty Coelho, Robert Ekholdt, Joe Hash, George Kapitan, Pam Long, Burk McBride, Garry Patrick, Sandi Petersen, Ron Waters.

In the event of a sizeable earthquake / tsunami, the following account reflects the topics discussed along with comments and suggestions offered up by the session participants:

STRUCTURE / NIMS (National Incident Management System) COMPLIANT

• Building safety.  Who would be responsible for assessing buildings?  Burk is in touch with Dorie Lanni (Emergency Services Manager Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services) with regards to an ATC 20 training for post-earthquake safety evaluation for buildings.
• Controlling the population on campus – how would we keep people from leaving campus, especially if leaving campus would appear to be a dangerous decision?
• Providing a sustainable camp for several days.  WATER, FOOD, SHELTER, MEDICAL & TOILET FACILITIES.
• Other shelter options – tents, personal vehicles.

COMMUNICATION

• The Public Safety vehicles are equipped with radios that can be programmed to allow communication with local law enforcement agencies.  RWS is Fortuna is the company we work with for purchasing and repairing our radios.

• Satellite phone purchase: Other agencies that have satellite phones are HSU’s PD and the Sheriff’s Office.

RESOURCES ON HAND / RESOURCES NEEDED

• Nurses and EMTs on campus – how would we utilize their skills?  What medical supplies do we have on hand and how much?
• The issue of water was brought up repeatedly.  On campus there are large water tanks holding 600,000 gallons.  These water tanks are scheduled to be replaced in the next 12 to 36 months.  They are old and may not withstand a sizeable earthquake.  An immediate possible solution would be to purchase and install a 10,000 gallon poly tank in the vicinity of the AJ range.  If situated above campus, the water could be gravity fed into receptacles.  A poly tank of this size, including transport and installation, could run as high as 25k.
• Ponds:  Filtration – heavy-duty filters would be required. If there is a tsunami the pond water could be contaminated.  Other sources of water on campus are hot water heaters.
• Other immediate water supply suggestions: that each building have five, 5-gallon water bottles (like the ones used for water dispensers). These should be filled at all times and the water replaced every six months. Purchasing x number of vacuum water bags or a large supply of bottled water.
• Fuel:  300 gls of fuel can run equipment (trucks, tractors, backhoe) for 3 days.  Our fuel storage is 2000 gls and the average amount at “full” is 1,300 gls.  I was suggested that the fuel tank be filled to capacity when the fuel company makes their routine delivery. Tire chains should be purchased.
• Storage containers to hold a cache of emergency supplies.  AR has a Conex container loaded with water, food and other supplies.  It was suggested that we look at what they have.

TRANSPORTATION/ROUTES

• Roads and bridges to the south and north of campus destroyed, closed or unreachable.  During any given weekday during a school term there could be upwards of 1000 people on campus (students, staff and faculty).
• What are the walking routes out of here? 

SUMMARY OF SUGGESTED SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT: (alpha orderl)

• Blankets
• Conex container boxes
• Medical supplies
• Satellite phone (HSU’s PD has one…checking other agencies and depts)
• Tenting and tenting supplies (tarps, rope, stakes)
• Tire chains
• Water - bottled
• Water containers (5 gl)
• Water filtration devices
• Water tank – 10,000 gl poly tank

FUTURE MEETINGS AND COLLABORATIONS

For our next Emergency Preparedness meeting it was suggested that we ask others from the community to join us so we can share ideas and information and collaborate when emergency situations occur.  Suggested invitees:  Academy of the Redwoods, HSU, Blue Lake Casino, Bear River Casino, structural engineer(s), Eureka PD, Fortuna PD, Sheriff’s Office and others.