Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Crisis and Emergency Management

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October 2004                                                                            Volume 7 - Number 1

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Mitigation...

City of Berkeley Disaster Mitigation Plan

By Traci Hartmann

The City of Berkeley has been recognized as one of the most progressive city governments in the nation for its proactive approach toward disaster mitigation in its community. The potential for various hazards associated with the San Francisco Bay Area has promoted the establishment of an organized program to reduce these vulnerabilities for over fifteen years. Although the city originally planned for a variety of natural disasters prone to the area, such as: earthquakes, “urban-wildland fires, landslide and liquefaction areas, and urban creek flooding,” its programs in the post-September 11^th era have grown to include man-made disasters in its list of mitigation activities (http://www.wsspc.org/award/award981.htm).

Numerous elements have aided the success of the City of Berkeley’s development of mitigation programs. The identification of the various hazards within the City of Berkeley began with the survey of hazardous buildings located in the area, and the use of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) HAZUS software, which lead to the formation of local hazard maps. A strong relationship between the city and its occupants, including the University of California-Berkeley, the State of California, and the federal government have also contributed to the success of the city’s effort to develop disaster mitigation plans and programs. The establishment of the Berkeley Alliance, an open forum between the city, campus and school district, in addition to various community education programs offered to both residents and those employed in the city, provide a formal information exchange between the city government and its citizens. Annual drills simulating disaster events have also aided the development of effective methods of disaster mitigation within the City of Berkeley through the coordination of various players involved in a real-life emergency situation. All of these elements contribute to the formation of a stable emergency management system.

Recognition of City of Berkeley’s proactive approach toward disaster mitigation is apparent by the presentation of the Western States Seismic Policy Council’s “Overall Excellence Award” in 1998 for its “Hazard Mitigation Plan.” This Plan later provided the foundation for implementation of the city’s Draft Disaster Mitigation Plan required by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The creation of this federal legislation set the requirement for city governments to develop a documented disaster mitigation plan in order to receive future federal funding for both preventative and response activities. The City of Berkeley’s Draft Disaster Mitigation Plan was completed last spring, and approved by both the City Council and the State of California. Currently, the Plan is awaiting final review by FEMA within the coming week. Future challenges confronted by the City of Berkeley include maintaining the interest and proactive energy within their community for their emergency management plans in preparation of a real-life disaster.

For more information about the Disaster Mitigation Plan for the City of Berkeley, please contact the Assistant City Manager Arietta Chakos (510) 981-7000.