Emergency Preparedness
As a result of recent events, public concerns have increased over the possibility of terrorist threats in our community. While there has been no terrorist activity or credible threats reported in Fresno, the City has developed a comprehensive plan to respond to emergency issues that might arise. This page contains important information and links to help answer your questions about the City's response to potential terrorist threats. We will be updating this area of the City website as needed and as more information becomes available.
CITY OF FRESNO EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN OVERVIEW
The City's Police and Fire Departments are the lead agencies for all local emergency response efforts. Both departments have received specialized training to deal with terrorist threats and activities. In addition, the City's full-time Emergency Preparedness Officer (EPO) is responsible for ensuring that Fresno's emergency response plans are up-to-date and implemented properly . The EPO also facilitates cooperation between City departments and other local, state and federal agencies that would be involved in emergency response operations.
In the event of any emergency, the public will be notified via local TV and radio stations and other means (including personal contact, if necessary). Information will be provided as quickly as possible as to the nature of the emergency and any actions the public may need to take. The goal of the City is to respond in an effective and orderly manner to ensure the safety and the well-being of our entire community.
The initial hours of any emergency are the most critical. Take steps to make sure you, your family and your home are prepared to meet immediate needs. Depending on the scope of the emergency, police, fire and other public safety personnel may be attending to urgent needs and unavailable to respond to individual concerns. That's why its essential that you have enough emergency supplies on hand to take care of you and your family for at least 72 hours. The American Red Cross has developed updated information on emergency preparedness, including preparing for possible terrorist threats. For details, please click here.
ANTI-TERRORIST UNIT FORMED
Following the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer formed a full-time Anti-Terrorist Unit to investigate and respond to any threat of terrorism within the City. The mission of the Anti-Terrorist Unit is to:
- Gather information and intelligence regarding potential terrorists activities
- Investigate terrorist threats
- Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies on the local, statewide, federal and international level
In addition, the Anti-Terrorist Unit will respond to and investigate incidents involving bombs and bomb threats within the City of Fresno. Each of the officers assigned to the Anti-Terrorist Unit has been trained in the identification and the disposal of explosive devices.
Fresno Police Department Terrorism Tip Line : (559) 621-2999
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAMS ARE ON THE JOB
The City of Fresno Fire Department maintains a 27-person Hazardous Materials Response (HMR) Team, which responds to incidents involving chemicals and other potentially hazardous substances. The Hazardous Materials team has also been specifically trained to respond to potential terrorist threats involving biological or nuclear weapons.
In the event of a an incident, the HMR Team is responsible for the identification, containment and disposal of any hazardous materials. The HMR Team is equipped for entry into contaminated areas, air sampling and field identification of harmful substances, including biological agents such as anthrax.
The HMR Team is also equipped to decontaminate those who may have come in contact with hazardous substances. Should a larger-scale incident occur, the Fresno Fire Departments Mass Decontamination Unit (MDU) would be employed, providing the ability to decontaminate 450 people each hour. The MDU was purchased by the U.S. Army and is on permanent loan to the City of Fresno to ensure the City is prepared for potential terrorist incidents.