Getting out of narrow, secluded Lombardy Lane is difficult under
normal circumstances. Trying to get out in an emergency could be
deadly. That's why Chuck Lennon called a neighborhood meeting to
discuss disaster preparedness.
The need to be prepared became apparent in the wake of the
hurricanes that devastated southern coastal cities. Organizing small
neighborhood response teams is a step in the right direction,
according to guidelines developed by the city. The guidelines stress
the need for residents to be able to take care of themselves for
three days. They should also be equipped for mass evacuation and
prepared to assist neighbors.
"We have a wonderful group of neighbors that not only socialize
together, but help out one another," Lennon said Sunday at the
Lombardy Lane Preparation Party. "But after Hurricane Katrina, I
realized how ill-prepared we are."
Lennon distributed folders full of information to the 20 neighbors
who attended the neighborhood meeting. By the end of October, the
neighbors will report progress on the goals they set: the
organization of important documents, with duplicates sent to an area
outside of Laguna; making "go-bags" with essential items to keep at
home and in vehicles; and choosing "buddies," in order to keep track
of residents and pets if disaster strikes.
Voters will go to the polls on Dec. 13 to decide if they want to
impose a six-year sales tax increase on themselves. Some of increase
will be used to pay for projects and programs that were postponed
indefinitely due to the costs of repairing city infrastructure
damaged in the June 1 Flamingo Road landslide.
The rest will be banked so that in future disasters the city will
have the financial wherewithal to weather the storm. Laguna is
subject to wildfires, floods, landslides, mudslides, earthquakes and
-- though less likely -- tsunamis, if the Newport Englewood Fault
takes a major jolt two miles off the city's coast.
"If the half-cent tax increase is approved by the voters, the city
council intends to use a big portion of it to create a disaster
fund," City Manager Ken Frank said.
"My fear is an emergency when I am away and [wife] Stephanie is
alone," Lennon said. "I am not doing her any favors by not being
prepared."
Also discussed at the Lombardy Lane meeting:
* ICE -- a number that can be installed on cell phones in case of
emergency. It is one of the first things police check, Lennon said.
* A contact number outside of Laguna, better yet outside of
