REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of September 2024 as National Preparedness Month
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
National Preparedness Month was launched in 2004 as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsored Ready Campaign in an effort to strengthen our country’s preparedness capabilities. The national preparedness architecture encompasses prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts to prepare the United States for all hazards, whether terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. Government has taken steps to encourage all citizens to make their own safety preparations. September was chosen as National Preparedness Month, as the tragedies of September 11, 2001, highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared.
Since its inception, National Preparedness Month has encouraged individuals, families, and communities to take part in practicing preparedness, having knowledge about various emergencies that may affect them, and taking steps and getting trained in preparedness and response efforts.
DISCUSSION
National Preparedness Month falls in September each year and emphasizes the need for each community in our nation to be prepared. This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is “Before disaster strikes, be your own hero.” Our City recognizes the need for everyone in the community to remain prepared for all disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and the potential for a Public Safety Power Shutoff due to wildland fires. The City of Santa Clara is committed to supporting National Preparedness Month, realizing the importance of being prepared for all hazards. For more information, visit the City of Santa Clara Emergency Preparedness website located at SantaClaraCA.gov/EmergencyPreparedness and register for Alert SCC, Santa Clara County’s emergency alert and warning system. Residents are also encouraged to download the MyShake App to receive earthquake early warning notifications.
The City Council would like to recognize the month of September 2024 locally as “National Preparedness Month” with the theme “Santa Clara Ready” to increase public awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness.
Of note, this year the City’s Office of Emergency Services has completed the draft updated City Emergency Operations Plan, the City Hazard Mitigation Plan, the updated Emergency Management and Disaster Council Ordinance, all of which are on this meeting’s agenda for adoption or first reading. The update and adoption of these critical documents will ensure that we are up to date with current best practices and ensure eligibility for critical grant funding and post-disaster recovery funds. Some of these documents have not been reviewed or updated since as early as 1971. The completion and adoption of these critical documents sets the foundation for a more prepared City of Santa Clara. In addition, the City is currently holding a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy for residents, is partnering with the Fire Department to host personal preparedness trainings for City staff, and will be conducting safety drills for all City departments in collaboration with the City’s Human Resources Department. All of this, in addition to many trainings and events we have planned in the coming year, will help to ensure we are also prepared for the many large events our city will soon be hosting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Communications, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Mayor and Council Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: David Flamm, Emergency Services Officer
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of September 2024 as National Preparedness Month