The Emergency Preparedness Committee met on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. The current members include John Dominguez, Roy Francis, Neal Greene, John Pespisa and Kathie Sullivan. The group also welcomed new member Bradley Romstedt. The Committee approved the Mission Statement and Charter, with minor changes, which will be presented to City Council for approval on December 9, 2019. The changes are highlighted in the text below. The next meeting is scheduled for December 19, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., and items of discussion include, electing a Chair and Vice Chair, discussion of roles for Committee Members, as well as goals, both long and short-term.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee is to serve and safeguard our community through efficient and effective volunteer service, which helps protect life and property ensuring the best interest of our community. Critical to our program is coordinating the response of various community volunteer programs
such as or
including; CERT Program (Community Emergency Response Team), Highland Riders large animal evacuation volunteers and Fire Watch communication volunteers with professional first responders. This community based program will help provide rapid and safe care for La Habra Heights’ residents in the event of a major incident or large scale disaster. During non-emergency situations, our Committee focuses on public education and awareness to help increase the emergency preparedness of all residents in La Habra Heights. The Committee will also provide a conduit for public concerns regarding public safety and fire related issues.
Charter
1. The major purpose of this Committee is to help the community prepare and respond to emergency situations that may arise in our community and to respond to these in an effective manner.
2. Work closely with City Staff to develop and maintain emergency and non-emergency communications methods and procedures.
3. The Emergency Preparedness Committee is advisory committee to the City Council.
4. The Committee is open to all residents and is composed of a chairperson(s), volunteer members with some background and/or interest in the area of emergency preparedness and public safety. The Committee will have a minimum of three members.
6. The Committee will meet at least six times each calendar year or as necessary.
7. Keep written minutes of all meetings and present oral and written reports to the City Council when appropriate.
(Add other Brown Act Requirements)
Goals
1. Develop and implement an emergency preparedness plan for the City of La Habra Heights.
2. Organize, train and manage a Community Management Team in conjunction with 1st responders throughout the community to aid in the response to emergency incidents in or throughout the community.
3. Work closely with City Manager to provide a community platform for informational emergency communications, EPC training opportunities and other preparedness information.
4. Conduct formal and informal educational programs for the community that encourage residents to acquire and maintain certifications in CERT, CPR, first aid, and other emergency preparedness subjects.
5. Develop and foster relationships with other local EPCs.
If the Mission Statement and Charter are approved by the Committee, both will be presented to the City Council for approval by resolution at the December 9, 2019 City Council meeting.
