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DSA In the News

‘Behind the Scenes’ in San Bruno

Published on 9/28/2010


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.