Foster City's Earthquake Preparedness Program

1995 POPULATION: 29,503
1995 HOUSING UNITS: 11,874
Single Family Units: 4,773 (40.2%)
Multi-Family Units: 7,101 (59.8%)
KEY CONTACT: Roger Chinn
Lions Club and former City Councilmember
Phone (415) 468-0787 (work)

Foster City’s preparedness program is innovative because it is a joint effort with the Foster City Lions Club, with support from the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services. It is based on active and hands-on community service.

First, homeowners are being encouraged to purchase, install and maintain key items such as fire extinguishers, wrenches for shutting off gas, first aid kits with flashlights, smoke detectors, non-perishable foods, water heater strapping supplies and wall attachments for tall furniture.

Second, do-it-yourself instructions are being developed and several programs and community faires are being held. Instructions focus on:
¨ using fire extinguishers;
¨ locating and turning off gas and water meters;
¨ training for first aid and CPR;
¨ strapping water heaters;
¨ attaching furniture to walls; and
¨ developing escape plans and safety instructions.

Third, a home retrofitting program has been developed to describe structural repairs that can be done on a home, including:
¨ foundation repairs;
¨ anchoring walls to foundations;
¨ wall sheathing; and
¨ framing support of garage openings.

Lions Club members are providing labor assistance for this work as necessary, helping the elderly and unemployed with earthquake safety, conducting neighborhood programs, and compiling statistics to continue to motivate residents.

Funding for program expansion is being pursued, using the local Lions Club and wider Lions Club resources, soliciting grants from insurance companies based on life and property risk reduction, and soliciting grants from other parties such as utility companies, foundations, and retail outlets.

This page was last updated 8/20/03 by jbp.