CityWide Disaster Response Drill is Saturday, October 5, 2024

Each block participating in our citywide disaster response drill relies on volunteers for specific roles. No special training is necessary.

Our biggest event each year is the annual citywide disaster response drill, where neighborhood groups respond to a simulated disaster and learn how to protect their families and help one another. Nearly 300 Burlingame residents representing more than 20 neighborhood groups, along with firefighters and Ham radio operators, participated in our 2022 drill.

Drill Overview & Roles

Block Leads

Play a key role by organizing their block so that neighbors learn how to help each other in the event of a real emergency.

BNN can partner with block leads to share materials and ideas to begin connecting neighbors. Because of block leads, neighbors are prepared, informed and willing to help each other when needed.

Block Lead Info

Incident Commander (IC)

Responsible for overall leadership of the block drill. This can include assigning volunteers to the Safety, Wellbeing and First-Aid teams, prioritizing which simulated incidents need to be escalated to emergency responders, and leading a discussion of lessons learned at the drill’s conclusion.

Communications Lead

Responsible for receiving, dispatching and documenting radio/walkie communications with Ham radio operators to escalate critical incidents to emergency responders. BNN provides radio training and equipment to communications leads so they can use the radios effectively.

Scribe

Responsible for signing in volunteers, collecting incident report forms from various teams, and logging incidents actions/updates on an incident status board. This person works closely with the incident commander and communications lead.

Safety Team

Responsible for identifying and responding to hazards, such as house fires, and broken gas and water lines.

Well-Being Team

Responsible for establishing a first-aid station, gathering medical supplies and providing basic first aid/comfort.

First Aid Team

Responsible for establishing a First Aid station, gathering medical supplies, and providing basic first aid/comfort.