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CITY NEWS

Emeryville Shows It's Prepared to Protect Residents and Businesses

June 2007

Emeryville’s response to the tanker truck crash of Sunday, April 29th, and the subsequent collapse of part of the MacArthur Maze freeway should leave Emeryville residents and business satisfied that Emeryville remains a City ready to respond quickly and effectively to an emergency.

An Emeryville fire truck was the first piece of emergency equipment on the scene, calling for assistance and directing the initial emergency response from surrounding jurisdictions.

And in spite of the time of the mishap – 3:45 a.m. on a Sunday – Fire Chief Steve Cutright had a briefing prepared for the City Council and City department heads within a few hours. He also ordered a partial activation of the City’s Emergency Operations Center.

Early the next morning, Mayor Nora Davis met with Governor Schwarzenegger, CalTrans officials and members of the State Legislature, making sure they understood the severity of the situation and the need for quick action. City Manager Patrick O’Keeffe convened the City’s department heads who were ready to deploy the resources of their departments, if needed. We salute the City’s leadership, especially Mayor Davis, City Manager O’Keeffe, and Fire Chief Cutright, for their quick and decisive handling of the situation.

But we must remind ourselves that our City government, while well-prepared, cannot do it alone. Residents, businesses, the Emery schools and building managers all need to do their part to make sure they are prepared for the worst. The Emeryville business community making good use of the abundant sources of alternative commute information during the MacArthur Maze closure was one good example. Building managers need to ensure that they have emergency plans and sufficient supplies in place, and trained staff to assist their tenants in the times of crisis.

Responsibility for disaster preparedness does not stop there. Individuals and families need to be prepared. Every home should have an earthquake supply kit and a plan for being able to survive on its own for at least three days after a catastrophic event.

Emeryville may be a small city. But being small does not equate to being minor league. Just the opposite: Emeryville’s rapid and thorough response to the MacArthur Maze freeway collapse proves, once again, that this small City can play with the big boys. We call on all Emeryville businesses and residents to become a partner with the City government by adopting a high level of emergency preparedness.

Emeryville’s rapid response to the April 29th tanker truck crash should reassure Emeryville residents, businesses and those that work, visit and stay here that this City is well prepared for the unexpected. While no city can ever be totally prepared for every possible contingency, it’s our firm belief that Emeryville is among the best.