This is a weekly series of questions from the Malibu community. Its purpose is to communicate information about the issues of concern and interest to Malibu residents. Please let me know if you want your name used or wish to remain anonymous.

This week's questions revolve around emergency preparedness.

Is a "plan" in place to address the needs of the residents in case of an emergency? Who oversees this plan? Are there PSAs planned to educate the community? How can we as residents be pro-active? Are there teams of people ... volunteers or paid ... on arson watch for Malibu such as the community of Topanga practices? Submitted by D. Day.

Yes, there is a plan in place to deal with emergencies in the city of Malibu. We are required to maintain a current Emergency Operations Plan that lays out exactly how the city will operate during times of emergency and disaster. The plan lays out evacuation routes, communication systems, shelter information, donations management and a response to a variety of hazards, including earthquake, fire, winter storms and tsunamis. The plan also details lines of succession for continuity of government, positions and responsibilities of staff in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at City Hall and more.

1. The primary Red Cross shelter site is Malibu High School.
2. The primary evacuation area is Lot 12 at Zuma Beach.

These may vary depending on the incident and usually any open space will do if it is deemed safe. The evacuation plan specifies possible roadblocks and routes, but this will really be up to the sheriff's department and CHP, who will determine and staff appropriate routes. This is why it is vital to listen to the radio and hotline and other Malibu media outlets (see below).

Brad Davis is the emergency services coordinator for the city. He stresses that it is important to be prepared for emergencies BEFORE they happen. 

1. Have a plan for each emergency that you can think of—what are you going to do and what will you need to accomplish this? Examples include evacuation routes, meeting places, out-of-state telephone contacts and pets.
2. Have disaster supplies always available, which includes: food (mainly non-perishable) and water for a minimum of a week, medications, pet supplies, flashlights, batteries and a radio. Keep supplies in the car and also at work and make sure your car gas level never goes below 1/4 full. 
3. Know where to go for good information: websites, radio, hotlines, ham radio.
4. Register your contact information on the Connect-CTY emergency notification system (click on the link on the bottom of the City’s homepage) and Nixle.com (law enforcement and traffic alerts; sign-up to follow City of Malibu Emergency Services). These systems can telephone, text and email residents with important, timely emergency information.  

Reliable and updated information is critical during emergencies. You can find that information on our telephone Hotline (310 456-9982), website (www.MalibuCity.org), 1620 AM on the radio and on the web via Facebook and Twitter (City of Malibu Emergency Services) and Nixle.com. 

Malibu has five emergency bins, each containing emergency supplies such as food and water—enough for 200 people for three days. These are to augment personal supplies until more items can be brought into the area (which can be done in as little as a few hours). The bins are at Malibu High, the Malibu Equestrian Park, Point Dume Marine Science School, Webster School and Las Flores Creek Park.  The city will open and dispense the supplies as necessary for each event. 

What is CERT? The Malibu Community Emergency Response Team is comprised of approximately 60 residents who are all trained in disaster response (including communications, medical response and psychological first aid) who will be available to help the city in its response and recovery efforts.  CERT certification is a 21-hour course that is presented four times each year. The next class will begin Saturday (room is still available!). In addition, first aid and CPR classes are taught every month at City Hall. Arson Watch is also very active in Malibu. Please call 310 456-0563 for more information. 

Several Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on emergency preparedness are currently being prepared and loaded onto our local Channel TV-3. CERT members are available for assistance to the city if needed. 

As you can see, there is a lot going on in the area of emergency and disaster preparedness in the city. As residents, it is vital that we stay informed and safe during any emergency. I hope that you will follow the suggestions above and plan BEFORE anything happens: register your contact information, make sure you know how to access vital information, have a plan and always keep disaster supplies available. Get involved, learn CPR and first aid, take a CERT class and be prepared!

Would you like to provide public input on our plans? The city of Malibu invites you to take part in our online survey to assess the city's disaster preparedness and risk. The link is on the city homepage (http://www.malibucity.org/news/index.cfm/fuseaction/story/ID/1268/). For more information or questions, please contact Brad Davis at BDavis@MalibuCity.org.

If you have a question for Mayor Rosenthal, send it to lrosenthal@malibucity.org.