Recommendation(s):

R1

Sheriff OES should consider creating a schedule for updating the Bay Area Earthquake Plan operational annexes Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or not reasonable. Current Operational Area annexes should be updated to reflect the local, all hazards County Emergency Operations Plan.

R2

The Board of Supervisors should consider identifying funds by July 1, 2018, to permit Sheriff OES and EHSD to coordinate and complete the Mass Care and Shelter Plan according to the schedule submitted by the Sheriff OES. Contra Costa County 2016-2017 Grand Jury Report 1702 Grand Jury Reports are posted at http://www.cc-courts.org/grandjury

R3

Sheriff OES should consider developing a written Mass Care and Shelter protocol by July 1, 2018, that covers selection, inspection, and opening a shelter, and identifying funds to do so. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or not reasonable. In Contra Costa County, the Employment and Human Services Department is responsible for this function. The American Red Cross plays a critical outside support role as well.

R4

Sheriff OES should consider including shelter selection, inspection and preparation when it establishes the Emergency Operations Center for a simulated disaster as part of disaster exercises. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or not reasonable. The Sheriff’s Office does integrate shelter operations into exercises performed in the Emergency Operations Center. However, the responsibility for site selection, inspection and preparation rests with the Employment and Human Services Department for the unincorporated areas and the cities for disasters within city limits.

R5

EHSD should consider access to view the NSS list

R6

Sheriff OES should consider providing training to EHSD on how to use the NSS system after EHSD is granted access to view the NSS list. Response: This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented once EHSD obtains access to view the NSS data. It is important to note that the Sheriff’s Office has “view only” access to the NSS data, so training would be limited to accessing the information only.

R7

EHSD should consider periodic reviews of the currency of the data and make update recommendations and corrections to the American Red Cross after EHSD is granted access to view the NSS list.

R8

Sheriff OES and American Red Cross should consider inviting EHSD to their regular meetings regarding earthquake planning and review of associated policies. Response: This recommendation has been implemented. EHSD currently coordinates quarterly meetings with Contra Costa County, American Red Cross (ARC), and the Sheriff’s OES staff. The meetings focus on identifying gaps and seeking resolution, creating or modifying processes to streamline coordination efforts, offering assistance to one another with tasks and projects, and facilitate effective communications among the team that will respond in a disaster. These meetings are effective in ensuring that all parties responding to a disaster as it relates to mass care and shelter are familiar with each other’s responsibilities and resources.

R9

Sheriff OES should consider reviewing its plans to coordinate local jurisdictions, EHSD and the American Red Cross during an emergency, and develop procedures and provide training where deficiencies are identified. Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The Sheriff’s OES, ARC, EHSD, other County Departments and local jurisdictions meet from time to time and participate in exercises. All exercises are evaluated and lessons are learned. OES makes training available to the various entities. Contact: Jim Mellander Foreperson 925-608-2621 Contra Costa County Grand Jury Report 1702 Emergency Mass Care and Shelter Are We Ready? TO: Board of Supervisors, Office of the Sheriff