In anticipation of peak wildfire season and as part of National Preparedness Month, the City will hold a demonstration on September 14 of the new Emergency Points of Distribution (PODs) and Information Stations that will help the City communicate with the public during cell phone and power outages. Community members are invited to observe, provide feedback and get emergency preparedness information.
“Accurate, timely, relevant information can be lifesaving during a wildfire or other disaster,” said Mayor Pro Tem Karen Farrer. “Although we have many very effective tools to get information out to the public during emergencies, we have to have backups and that includes low-tech, zero power solutions.”
On Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., Malibu CA 90265), the City public safety staff and Malibu CERT Team members will practice setting up the new system. The PODs are intended to provide basic supplies and the emergency information stations are meant to provide updated emergency information to residents at strategic locations throughout the City during disasters, power outages or when communications capabilities are hindered.
There will be four PODs located near the City’s emergency supplies containers, each with an information station. There will be six additional information stations strategically located along the length of the City at gathering places such as shopping centers, parks and gas stations.
During a disaster, City staff and CERT Team members will set up the PODs and the information stations, which will be marked with flags and signage. Once or more a day, drivers will deliver printed information to the information stations to be posted on bulletin boards. The City will conduct public outreach about the locations.
In addition, as part of the plans to address the loss of phone service and power, the City purchased 50 bullhorns as well as flashing light bars for City vehicles so that staff and volunteers can drive through the City to distribute information on a neighborhood level.
The City invites all community members to be part of the efforts to promote community-wide emergency preparedness and join the classes, drills and activities scheduled throughout September.
Submitted by Matt Myerhoff, Malibu Media Information Officer
