Emergency services agreements signed

Sometimes, amidst bickering and split decisions over such issues as the policing contract and using federal “entitlement” funds, City Council members encounter a “no-brainer” and easily cast votes that make good sense for every Yorba Lindan.

Two items that could impact the welfare of all residents came up at a recent council meeting and wisely received unanimous approval, partly because they won't need funding from an al-ready overburdened city budget.

However, this time the hope is the programs authorized by the council votes won't be used in real-life situations, since they involve preparations for serious public health emergencies or other life-threatening calamities.

One program establishes “point of dispensing” sites to distribute mass medication, vaccination services, food, water and medical supplies to city residents during a large-scale public health emergency, according to a report by Allison Estes, a city management analyst.

The two sites identified in Yorba Linda include Yorba Linda Friends Church on Lakeview Avenue on the west side and Santa Clara de Asis Catholic Church on Avenida de la Paz on the east side.

Council agreed in July to participate in the county Health Care Agency's plan to establish “point of dispensing” sites in all county cities and approved last month an agreement with the county involving, at county expense, equipment to be used at each site.

An important element for Yorba Linda's version of the plan is training response staff to fill key roles at the sites in an emergency situation, so the city will hold a point of dispensing exercise at the Friends Church location Oct. 25.

The exercise involves a free drive-through flu shot clinic in the church parking lot from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., using the Mountain View Avenue entrance. (Information: 714-961-7110)

In the event of an actual emergency, the two sites would operate simultaneously, noted Estes' report. The planning includes specific information on site utilization, traffic control, staffing and the equipment required to activate the sites.

The other emergency preparedness item involves an agreement with the American Red Cross that designates certain city facilities as possible shelter locations in the event of a disaster, with all costs involved handled by the Red Cross organization.

Already identified for use are the Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House on Casa Loma Avenue on the west side and the Travis Ranch Activity Center on Via De La Escuela on the east side. A third site, Yorba Linda High School, is under evaluation for an accord with the school district.

The Red Cross would open, manage and close shelters and provide personnel, food, water, staging and signage.

The agreement outlines Red Cross responsibilities “to reimburse the city for damage to the facilities and for reasonable costs associated with custodial services and operational costs” and assume liability and risk from shelter activity, Estes noted.