Neighbors Network for Disaster

The recent gas fire in San Bruno has many people thinking about what they would do in the event of a disaster. If such disaster were to strike Burlingame, would residents be prepared? For some local citizens, the answer is yes.

Burlingame's Neighborhood Network program encourages people to prepare for emergencies by maintaining a kit full of food, water, basic medical supplies, and other essentials, as well as teaming up with their neighbors to prove there is safety in numbers.

Burlingame Vice Mayor Terry Nagel, who founded the Neighborhood Network program in 2006, came up with the idea one day while having coffee with a neighbor. The conversation turned to a possible disaster.

Nagel said the idea struck when her neighbor remarked, "I pay my taxes, so police and firefighters will take care of me."

Nagel realized that emergency responders might not be able to get to everyone right away, especially if roadways were blocked. Residents in areas hit by Hurricane Katrina waited for days to be rescued.

"We decided to get our little neighborhood organized," Nagel said. "The goal of the program is to inform, prepare and protect."

Neighborhood Network activities include handing out and mailing fliers and brochures with information about making emergency kits and handling special situations during an emergency, including helping pets, the elderly and the disabled.

Burlingame is composed of 40 to 50 neighborhoods and has a population of 29,000, Nagel said. The program originated on Poppy Drive, where Nagel lives.

Each participating neighborhood has multiple block captains who are in charge of organizing the emergency efforts.

Neighbors also get together for non-emergency related events, including block parties, barbecues and holiday-oriented activities.

"We're getting to know each other," Nagel said.

Cumberland Drive block captain Suzanne Tateosian not only keeps her block organized, but also helps people get the supplies they need to be prepared. Tateosian owns Earth Shakes, a supply and equipment store that carries emergency items, including earthquake kits.

Since the San Bruno gas fire, Tateosian has seen increased foot traffic at Earth Shakes.

"We always have more visitors to the store after a disaster," she said.

Tateosian offers a 20 percent discount to active members of the Neighborhood Network.

Another block  leader is Ray Marshall, who Nagel specifically asked to be one of the six captains in the Poppy Drive neighborhood, which also includes residents on Vancouver and Columbus avenues.

The network provides residents with a neighborhood directory including the name, address, phone number, e-mail address and age of those willing to participate. Marshall said about 80 percent of the residents in the area agreed to be on the directory. 

"With everybody on the run, it's hard to get acquainted," said Marshall, a retired contractor who spent more than 30 years as a firefighter.

Block captains are also charged with keeping an inventory of who has important items, such as tents and generators, they would be willing to share with the neighbors. Skills are also included – Marshall knows how to shut of utilities to a home, and an orthopedic surgeon offered to help during an emergency.

Marshall, a 37-year Burlingame resident, said there are about 120 houses in his neighborhood. The program has given him the opportunity to reach out to new neighbors, something he believes is important.

"Through this venue, I've gotten to know them," he said. "If nobody knows anybody, then nobody cares."

The Neighborhood Network is also integrated into the city's emergency preparedness efforts. It is included in creating evacuation areas and organizing training sessions for would-be ham radio operators.

 "The idea grew so quickly, now it's a citywide program," Nagel said.

The Neighborhood Network program has also become a Neighborhood Watch program of sorts, since people are in the mindset of looking out for one another.

The next Neighborhood Network meeting will take place on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Main Library. Nagel said one of the first responders of the San Bruno gas fire will be on hand to talk about the role the neighbors played during the rescue efforts.