TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to provide a public briefing to Council on how the July 15th (and subsequent July 30th smaller event) major power outage was managed along with the types of communications received from SCE and also to provide updates to be discussed at the September 1st Council meeting.
The briefing should include the following:
• The City's current plan - Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan - 2014;
• Overview of Council and City department roles and
responsibilities in a crisis, emergency or disaster;
• Exploration of City and legislative staff emergency
response training (ex. CERT, Search and Rescue, etc.)
other than what is written in the City Manager's Emergency
Contact Booklet and the City employee online emergency
training; and
• Technology and outreach - current protocols and possibilities
for future improvements.
DISCUSSION
On Wednesday, July 15th the City of Long Beach, primarily Council Districts 1 and 2 suffered a massive Southern California Edison power outage for over three and half days due to two underground vault fires. This outage had a significant impact on residents including loss of food, time, health and money. While the city provided a well planned and executed response through the Emergency Operations Center (EOG) many residents are still reeling from the loss of electricity.
There was a tremendous outpouring of support from city staff, community organizations and individuals who stepped up to the plate to ensure that the most basic needs were met. However ensuring that we are all prepared no matter the situation is a must especially in a city wide event.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
LENA GONZALEZ
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA
VICE MAYOR SUJA LOWENTHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT