Executive Director's Corner
Seizing Opportunities for Change
At DEM we are constantly reviewing and refining the systems and policies that define how we serve the public. Through this continuous evaluation loop, we learn where we can improve and ultimately, improve service to the public and first responders. Currently we are engaged in a number of initiatives including: renovation of the training room to expand the dispatch floor; implementation of a new computer program to help dispatchers send the closest medics to emergencies; and adoption of notification policies for elected officials.
Opportunities for change also arise from the emergencies we’ve managed over the past several months. These included: the fires in Chinatown, Richmond, and Excelsior neighborhoods resulting in displaced residents; the Tehama Street crane break which caused a financial district evacuation during rush hour; and the PG&E power outage that affected nearly 90,000 customers over the course of an entire business day. I am very proud of DEM’s excellent response to each of these emergencies and openness to improving response protocols. The continuous performance review process provides us opportunities for adjustments, growth, and positive change for the organization.
I also want to acknowledge our most recent emergency operations center activation in response to the UPS facility shooting. As the details of this tragic event unfolded, I saw a DEM that was focused, organized, and professional. We provided the support our public safety partners needed to do their jobs well; the public was informed about the emergency and what to do to be safe; and we made sure resources were available to all affected—including mental health and spiritual counseling services. Throughout the activation, we all took note of what worked well, and what can be improved. This continuous process of evaluation will make us even more effective for our next emergency activation.
This tragedy impacted us all and sometimes processing the horror, confusion, and sadness that often comes in the aftermath of situations such as this can be difficult. The Department of Public Health has created a UPS shooting counseling hotline for anyone needing emotional support (415-970-4000). I also want remind us about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which has resources available to help us cope with the difficult and stressful situations that we often face in general.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment, dedication, and outstanding service to the residents and visitors of San Francisco.
Currently we are engaged in a number of initiatives including: renovation of the training room to expand the dispatch floor; implementation of a new computer program to help dispatchers send the closest medics to emergencies; and adoption of notification policies for elected officials.
Opportunities for change also arise from the emergencies we’ve managed over the past several months. These included: the fires in Chinatown, Richmond, and Excelsior neighborhoods resulting in displaced residents; the Tehama Street crane break which caused a financial district evacuation during rush hour; and the PG&E power outage that affected nearly 90,000 customers over the course of an entire business day. I am very proud of DEM’s excellent response to each of these emergencies and openness to improving response protocols. The continuous performance review process provides us opportunities for adjustments, growth, and positive change for the organization.
I also want to acknowledge our most recent emergency operations center activation in response to the UPS facility shooting. As the details of this tragic event unfolded, I saw a DEM that was focused, organized, and professional. We provided the support our public safety partners needed to do their jobs well; the public was informed about the emergency and what to do to be safe; and we made sure resources were available to all affected—including mental health and spiritual counseling services. Throughout the activation, we all took note of what worked well, and what can be improved. This continuous process of evaluation will make us even more effective for our next emergency activation.
This tragedy impacted us all and sometimes processing the horror, confusion, and sadness that often comes in the aftermath of situations such as this can be difficult. The Department of Public Health has created a UPS shooting counseling hotline for anyone needing emotional support (415-970-4000). I also want remind us about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which has resources available to help us cope with the difficult and stressful situations that we often face in general.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment, dedication, and outstanding service to the residents and visitors of San Francisco.
emergencies and openness to improving response protocols. The continuous performance review process provides us opportunities for adjustments, growth, and positive change for the organization.
I also want to acknowledge our most recent emergency operations center activation in response to the UPS facility shooting. As the details of this tragic event unfolded, I saw a DEM that was focused, organized, and professional. We provided the support our public safety partners needed to do their jobs well; the public was informed about the emergency and what to do to be safe; and we made sure resources were available to all affected—including mental health and spiritual counseling services. Throughout the activation, we all took note of what worked well, and what can be improved. This continuous process of evaluation will make us even more effective for our next emergency activation.
This tragedy impacted us all and sometimes processing the horror, confusion, and sadness that often comes in the aftermath of situations such as this can be difficult. The Department of Public Health has created a UPS shooting counseling hotline for anyone needing emotional support (415-970-4000). I also want remind us about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which has resources available to help us cope with the difficult and stressful situations that we often face in general.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment, dedication, and outstanding service to the residents and visitors of San Francisco.
our most recent emergency operations center activation in response to the UPS facility shooting. As the details of this tragic event unfolded, I saw a DEM that was focused, organized, and professional. We provided the support our public safety partners needed to do their jobs well; the public was informed about the emergency and what to do to be safe; and we made sure resources were available to all affected—including mental health and spiritual counseling services. Throughout the activation, we all took note of what worked well, and what can be improved. This continuous process of evaluation will make us even more effective for our next emergency activation.
This tragedy impacted us all and sometimes processing the horror, confusion, and sadness that often comes in the aftermath of situations such as this can be difficult. The Department of Public Health has created a UPS shooting counseling hotline for anyone needing emotional support (415-970-4000). I also want remind us about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which has resources available to help us cope with the difficult and stressful situations that we often face in general.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment, dedication, and outstanding service to the residents and visitors of San Francisco.