City officials meet to solidify disaster preparedness

At 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 3, the Fort Bragg City Council met with other management leaders to review the city’s preparations regarding the severe weather event hitting the coast starting this week. All officials reported that disaster preparedness plans were up-to-date and that all necessary personnel and equipment were in place.

City Manager Peggy Ducey opened the emergency meeting by assuring the council that all the reports they would hear would make it clear that the city would be fully prepared for the coming storm. Ducey noted that the coming storm was “a significant, credible threat” and that “it was critical we respond now.”

Ducey described the storm as potentially having the impact of a Category 3 or 4, compared to last Friday’s storm, which was Category 2. Wind gusts could be as high as 55-65 miles per hour. She made it clear that it would be “misguided” for the city to wait until after power outages, flooding, debris blockage, or other problems occurred.

Five city administrators spoke and provided the City Council with the specific plans they were ready to begin before the storm and other plans to be initiated as soon as needed. Presenting information were Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka, Public Works Director John Smith, Finance Director Isaac Whippy, Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Administrator Judy Leach, and Fort Bragg Unified School District Superintendent Joseph Aldridge.

Chief Cervenka reported that his P.G.& E. meteorologist contact had labeled the coming storm as a Category 4.4 (out of 5) “atmospheric river” event on Wednesday. Thursday is graded at Category 3; Friday is graded at Category 3; and Saturday is graded at Category 4. These levels generally cause power outages, flooding, and tree debris on roads.

Chief Cervenka reported that the police department was fully prepared. Emergency shelters would be open, and his officers were looking for homeless people who generally have trouble getting to safe places. All staff is prepared to stay at the station during the storm.

Chief Cervenka also reported that P.G.&E. had a team and a

powerful trailer generator in place to power essential government buildings, the hospital, and much of the city should electricity be lost. However, he warned that local outages due to downed lines or debris could still occur. He stated that the main focus of the police patrols would be to look for hazards and any need for assistance, including providing help to the city’s EMTs as needed.

Chief Cervenka added that stop signs would not be set up if traffic lights went down due to high winds. The lobby of the Police Department at 250 Cypress Street would be open for public access to power devices as necessary. The C.V. Starr Center at 300 South Lincoln Street and City Hall at 416 North Franklin Street will also be open during business hours for the same services.

John Smith, Director of Public Works, reported that all critical city infrastructure had backup generators ready to go, including coverage for the pump stations. Smith said he would be working closely with the police department, P.G.&E., and Caltrans to keep updated information flowing.

Smith asked the public to report downed lines by dialing 911. All other issues, such as downed trees, even on private property, street flooding, and road debris, should be reported by calling the Police Department Dispatch at 707-964-0200.

Finance Director Isaac Whippy informed the City Council that the city’s automated phone system was already engaged in calling residents with alerts about the storm and how to prepare. Whippy added that although Comcast was the city’s IT provider, AT&T was in place as a backup. Also, Starlink would keep the police department and city hall connected in information sources.

Judy Leach, Administrator for Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Hospital, reported that the hospital staff was prepared for emergencies, and teams had been set up to handle specific needs. Leach said the focus was on safety, clean water, food, and open communication lines.

Joseph Aldridge, Superintendent of the Fort Bragg Unified School District, reported that the schools would remain open for classes. Aldridge asserted that the schools “would be the safest places to be” and that “students needed meals and a warm place to stay.” He noted that, if necessary, the schools had sleeping bags and plenty of food.

He said Fort Bragg High School was available and ready as the designated Red Cross shelter. Aldridge added that phone contact with parents would be maintained, particularly in the case of a decision for early release.

For public updates, city leaders recommended the City of Fort Bragg’s Facebook site, and Police Chief Cervenka recommended the police department’s Facebook page as well. Chief Cervenka advised the public to remain home tomorrow to limit safety concerns. As another reliable source of information, he recommended the public tune in to reports available on the radio station KOZT at FM 95.3 for updates.