Sen. Leland Yee: Prepare for an Emergency

In the aftermath of tsunami, a message on safety
As Japan heals from a devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami, I extend my deepest condolences to the Japanese people and those in California who have been touched by these disasters. I have reached out to the consulate general of Japan in San Francisco, expressing my concern and willingness to provide any support in the months ahead.

While we work to support Japan's full recovery, we must also reflect on our ability to weather a natural disaster in our own communities. Preparation is critical. Ê

California could be days away from the next "big one." As with Japan, California sits on the Pacific "ring of fire" that accounts for 80 percent of the world's largest earthquakes. At the state level, the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal-EMA) puts significant effort into catastrophic planning in the Bay Area and around the state. The agency works with geologists and nuclear engineers to gauge potential impacts of a major temblor and to keep the public informed.

Yet, San Francisco's ability to weather catastrophe will be determined not only by how our government responds, but also by how each resident reacts at home. Studies show certain pockets of our community may be more prepared than others. A survey by the local American Red Cross found only 20 percent of Chinese Americans living in San Francisco - or 1 in 5 - say they are ready for a disaster.

I am urging all families to assess their readiness for an earthquake or tsunami and make plans in preparation for a potential disaster. We are working closely with the Red Cross Bay Area Chapter to educate our community about preparing for the next crisis and will be partnering with the Red Cross to host an emergency preparedness fair this summer.

In the meantime, please consider basic earthquake and tsunami survival tips offered by San Francisco's Department of Emergency Management:

• Make a plan to determine how your family will cope with a major earthquake or tsunami;

• Build a kit to supply your home for at least three days. This should include non-perishable foods, one gallon of water per person per day, first-aid kit, flashlight, cash in small bills and clothing with sturdy shoes;

• Get involved in your community, coordinate with your neighbors and figure out how you can help in the event of disaster.

To learn more about how you can prepare yourself and your family, what to do in response to a specific disaster or to sign up for Alert SF, the city's emergency notification system, visit www.72hours.org.

Ocean Beach needs our help
As many west side residents know, the coastline at Ocean Beach is quickly eroding.

In the wake of climate-related sea-level rise, the bluffs located north of the San Francisco Zoo have eroded by 70 feet in the last decade, threatening beaches, trails, roads and a 14-foot-wide, 10-million-gallon waste-water pipe that runs almost the length of the city's western edge. It is critical we work together toward a long-term solution that will preserve our coastline's fragile ecology while mitigating further threats to our infrastructure.

In recent months, the City and County of San Francisco has resorted to necessary emergency measures to protect the coastline, the Great Highway and the massive pipeline. But these quick fixes - which include constructing a wall and placing protective rock for erosion control - are short-term solutions.

I am supportive of the efforts of the Ocean Beach Master Plan Advisory Committee, which brings together stakeholder groups as well as city, state and federal agencies with investment and overlapping authority in the area. Convened by San Francisco Planning and Urban Research (SPUR), the committee will build on the work of previous task forces to hammer out a 100-year vision for Ocean Beach in the next 10 months.

I am committed to working toward a solution that protects our residents from harm and saves critical infrastructure from damage. Climate-related sea level rise is a reality San Francisco cannot ignore. It is time to act on a long-term vision for Ocean Beach and ensure that our City is fully prepared for the inevitable loss of more coastline.

For more information about the Ocean Beach Master Plan, go to the website at www.spur.org/ocean-beach.