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San
Jose to Review Emergency Preparedness, Public Building Security Measures
San Jose, CA ----
The San Jose
City Council today called for an immediate security review of all San Jose
city facilities in light of the September 11 attacks and subsequent
terrorist threats and the continuing high priority to strengthen emergency
preparedness.
“San
Jose has already earned a strong reputation for effective planning,
preparation and training to prepare for a wide range of emergencies,”
said Mayor Ron Gonzales. “We
have learned in the past month however, that we must continue to take
active steps to ensure that we can continue to safeguard our community,
maintain public services, and protect public employees.” The council asked the city administration to conduct an analysis of security issues concerning public facilities and systems, and to report back next week with proposals for immediate steps and plans for longer-term actions and resources needed to reduce potential vulnerabilities. “We also intend to create an emergency preparedness task force that will continue to monitor security issues and plans so that the mayor and council can move quickly in the future with effective measures as necessary to reduce risks,” said Councilmember Dave Cortese, who cosponsored the proposal. The
security review will focus on steps to deter, delay and detect potential
risks to city facilities, and to follow up with appropriate responses and
resources to protect city employees and the public. Over
the past decade, San Jose has undertaken extensive planning and training
to prepare for community emergencies such as earthquakes, floods and
terrorist attacks. The city coordinates its emergency planning closely
with other local, state and federal agencies, as well as with
community-based organizations and businesses. Gonzales also commended the city’s emergency services, police and fire personnel for their efforts both in recent weeks and over the past decade to help prepare for and respond to emergencies. “This has been a very challenging period for our nation and our community, and I am proud of our employees’ dedication to make sure that San Jose residents and businesses are ready. “I also encourage our residents to review their own plans for emergency preparedness and to work with their families and neighbors to improve our community’s overall ability to be self reliant whether we face a severe natural disaster or an attack.” # # # San Jose City Hall
801 N.
First St., San Jose, CA
95110
tel (408) 277-5131 fax ( 408) 277-3131 http://www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/ |
