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Residents ask council about local warning systems after Southern California fires
Summary
Two residents described recent wildland-fire experiences and asked whether Lebanon has local alert and evacuation systems; council and staff said the city has an emergency management document and evacuation map and would evaluate shelter suitability in a catastrophic event.
Two residents, Marilyn and Andy Belcher of Ward 1, told the Lebanon City Council on Feb. 12 that recent wildland fires near their daughter’s home in Southern California highlighted the importance of local warning systems and evacuation planning, and they asked whether Lebanon has procedures to notify residents and identify safe evacuation routes and shelters.
Marilyn Belcher said her daughter was “able to see the flames from her home” during recent fires and that cell-phone alerts were critical in advising residents whether to evacuate. The Belchers said their concern is whether Lebanon’s local systems would provide similar timely notice and whether shelters would be suitable in a sweeping fire.
A city staff member told the council the city maintains a local emergency management document and an evacuation map; the Belchers and councilors discussed that some designated shelters could be unsuitable in specific catastrophic scenarios. The Belchers also noted that nonprofits and state or federal assistance could be limited in a widespread disaster and urged greater local preparedness.
Ending: Councilors acknowledged the concern and noted the city has planning documents; they did not adopt specific new actions at the meeting but thanked the speakers and said staff would take the input under advisement for emergency planning.
