Responsible acceptance of risk leads to plans for mitigation that can hopefully modify any untoward results. Personal concerns typically focus on property and family safety while governmental entities have many of the same concerns, but on a much broader scale. In order to meet the expectations of the electorate, emergency management personnel assemble extensive action plans to prepare for manmade and natural disasters.
Recently, the Fremont City Council approved its Emergency Operations Plan 2020 to cope with the effects of climate changes, earthquakes, wildfires and a host of calamities that could affect our region. Citizens of our region have extensive experience with unsettling phenomenon including earthquakes, floods and drought that are beyond our control, but how prepared are our governments to meet the challenge? In a hazard analysis, the probability of earthquake, flood, wildfire or mass casualty incident is rated as “high.” With the possibility of a pandemic at our doorstep, does the level of preparedness match the probability? The report lists “City Response Level” as moderate in most cases.
A Relative Landslide Susceptibility study map of the Mission Ridge Area shows a dramatic representation of relative risks for slippage. Map 2 of a Geolith Consultants study, available at City of Fremont Development and Environmental Services, dated February 2000, outlines areas of concern, but does not indicate a susceptibility rating. However, Map 3 does and is a clear warning of the high risk environment. In addition, fault lines, gas lines and water lines traverse the area. A stark example of the power of such occurrences is the 1998 landslide – approximately a mile long and 800 to 1,400 feet across – near Mission Peak. The foundation of a city building at Central Park is cracked and offset due to earth movement. These are not hypothetical but actual effects of natural phenomenon that require attention and preparation.
The sound of sirens on city streets is frequent enough that it doesn’t elicit panic or fear, but it is a reminder that everyday activities involve risk and dependence on swift and competent response. Living among thousands of fellow citizens, there is some comfort, even amity, in a system that can handle daily emergencies. But for most of us, the magnitude of massive disruption is beyond comprehension and contemplation. Even those who have experienced such events in the past soon breathe a sigh of relief and concentrate on the joys, trials and tribulations of daily life.
A primary role of our governments, however, is to consider, prepare and plan for calamitous events; not only is this a critical function, but it should be transparent to its residents as well. If there are flaws in the system, exposure will not only force confrontation with facts but allow the wisdom of experts and others to focus on the problem and its solutions. Without adequate exposure to public scrutiny, preparations may fall short and result in unnecessary tragedy. Resident comments at the February 11, 2020 council meeting were cogent and indicated a need for all area residents to not only review city plans for action, but understand their personal role for family and neighbors in the event of a disaster.
Coordination between levels of government and non-governmental organizations is an essential piece of the puzzle. The Roman poet Virgil said “Every calamity is to be overcome by endurance.” He might have added that adversity may be endured with preparation. Along with human foibles, natural disasters are not new. With centuries of experience, the lesson for all of us is that it is not a question of “if” but rather “when” we will be confronted by a common challenge. A current example is emergence of the Coronavirus that is spreading throughout the world. Are we prepared as individuals and as a society? Are lengthy documents of emergency procedures shelved for the future with little interim scrutiny. I hope not. When needed, will calamity be met with concomitant community strength and amity? I hope so.