EXERCISE ONLY
Marin County Struggles in Aftermath of Major Earthquake
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mariano Zamudio
Date: October 22, 2008 Title: Marin County EOC PIO
Time: 12:00 p.m. PST Phone: (415) 473-5194/7392
San Rafael – On Tuesday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. PST a Richter scale magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck along the Hayward Fault in the San Francisco East Bay Area. Marin County emergency first responders and residents continue to struggle to survive and to take actions to get the uncertain disaster situation under control. Authorities report 38 county fatalities due to structure collapse and vehicle accidents and 1400 injuries due to aftershock building cave-ins and debris removal activities.
If you have sustained significant injuries you may attempt to call 911 for assistance. If phones are not working in your area, proceed to a fire station, police station or hospital for assistance. If you are unharmed, check on your neighbors to see if they are alright. Do not enter any structure or put yourself in a position where you may become injured. Fires pose the greatest risk to residents; be aware that county open-space areas are extremely susceptible to wild land fire incidents.
Over 80% of public facilities have significant damage including the County Civic Center. 18% of county emergency services buildings are uninhabitable. Strong aftershocks are occurring causing additional damage to structures that are already unsound. Residents are encouraged to turn off their utilities only if they smell gas and remain outside of their homes until they can be assessed for safety.
PG&E reports that 80% of county is without power and 70% are without water and sewage service reported by various county utility organizations. Over 75% are without land-line and cellular service validated by both AT&T and Verizon. The CA #101 highway Marin corridor is unusable. CA #1 highway is closed from Muir
Beach to Tomales. Caltrans crews are working to clear debris to get these major highways open for emergency traffic only, Alternate routes are available in some areas reported by County DPW, but critical repair resources are delayed due to conditions. Law enforcement agencies direct that residents do not use automobiles under any circumstances.
An estimated 3,500 Marion residents are displaced from their homes primarily in Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Corte Madera and West Marin. Dial 2-1-1 for information on shelter availability or listen for current availability on radio or television. New shelters are opening quickly in various county locations
Shelters are now open and serving all humane needs:
Corte Madera Recreation Center with capacity for #50
Mill Valley Tamalpais High School with capacity for #65
Novato San Marin High School with a capacity for #75
San Rafael Community Center with a capacity for #100
West Marin Point Reyes Elementary School wit h a capacity for #30
Pets are not welcome at shelters, however animal care support services at the shelters will assist you with livestock and pet care. Animal emergency care guidance is available in your Marin telephone directory,
Stay tuned to your local radio or television station for more information and updates.
