The Burlingame Neighborhood Network invites all block captains and
others interested in emergency preparedness to hear from some of the
first emergency responders to the San Bruno pipeline explosion at the
next quarterly meeting from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 in
the Lane Room at the Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road. The
meeting also will highlight the role that amateur radio operators play
during disasters.
Dena Gunning, vice chair of San Bruno’s Community Preparedness
Committee and coordinator of a countywide nonprofit preparedness
program, will describe what she saw when she responded within minutes
of the explosion on Sept. 9, and she’ll tell how the local community
worked together to assist during the emergency.
Three local amateur radio experts who also responded to the
crisis within an hour will explain the role they played in the San
Bruno incident. Dan Bennett of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
and Gary Vielbaum, who leads the Sheriff’s Communications Unit, will
give an overview of what amateur radio is and how it fits into CERT,
Red Cross and local government during a disaster. Ross Peterson,
assistant leader of the Sheriff’s Communications Unit, will explain how
you can become certified as an amateur radio operator at a one-day
course.
All Burlingame residents interested in emergency preparedness
and others who want to learn about Burlingame’s Neighborhood Network
are welcome. Admission is free. Please RSVP by Oct. 6 to
terry@terrynagel.com. Coffee, fruit and pastries will be served.