The Burlingame Neighborhood Network (BNN) is inviting residents to sign up for the 12th annual Burlingame Disaster Response Drill, which will take place on Saturday, October 4, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in multiple neighborhoods throughout Burlingame. It is designed to train neighbors to work together after a major emergency, when official responders are likely to be too busy to assist residents for several days.
The Drill Walk-Through training session for drill leads and anyone interested is Thurs. September 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Burlingame Community Center. A Communications Workshop will be held on Thurs. September 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., also at the Burlingame Community Center, to show communications leads how to relay messages for assistance during the drill. Participants are asked to bring their cell phones with them.
This year, for the first time, the City of Burlingame, Central County Fire Department, Burlingame Police Department and Burlingame's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are official sponsors of the drill. Local Ham radio operators also support the exercise. In addition, the city has agreed to waive the block closure permit fee for block parties hosted by neighborhood groups that participate in the drill. Party organizers must still apply for a block party permit at least 10 days before the date of their party.
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At this outdoor community event, participants practice organizing in teams to help one another after a simulated disaster, and they learn how to relay requests for help among groups via the Zello app, which turns your cell phone into a walkie-talkie. There is no fee, and all materials and training are provided free of charge. Families are welcome.
To learn more about the drill and to sign up, visit https://burlingamenetwork.org/disaster-response-drill. For questions, email drill@burlingamenetwork.org.