Palo Alto, CA -- On May 13, 2003, over 30 community leaders, representing business, neighborhoods, the school district, the local hospitals and other key sectors of the community, came together to begin an ongoing dialogue about how to prepare the community for natural or man-made disasters. There was excitement about the opportunity to share information and identify gaps in the current resources devoted to preparedness.

"I was delighted at the very positive discussion we had about common concerns and issues," said incoming Police Chief Lynne Johnson, who chaired the meeting. "We all recognize that we can leverage our strengths and resources better if we work together."

The City has taken the initiative to create this forum because disaster preparedness has become even more critical to the Palo Alto community since September 11. In order to focus more City resources on preparedness, the City Manager created a Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee. The steering committee's purpose is to provide citywide coordination, oversight, prioritization and resources for emergency preparedness. The steering committee is chaired by the Police Chief, alternating each year with the Fire Chief. In addition, the Directors of Public Works, Utilities, and Administrative Services, City Attorney, Assistant City Manager and Assistant Superintendent of the Palo Alto Unified School District serve on the committee. The steering committee oversees a working group that, similarly, has representation from virtually all City departments.

With this new, strengthened City focus and the participation of a rich array of community organizations and non-profits are also working on emergency preparedness, Palo Alto hopes to become a national leader in preparedness.

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