Dear Justin,
I hope this message finds you well. Thank you and your team for organizing the emergency drill at the Belle Haven Community Campus today. A few hours after the drill, I was on site and had the opportunity to speak with seome seniors. I would like to share some observations and concerns based on their experiences.
Unfortunately, the drill created significant confusion, particularly among seniors. For example, my father-in-law believed the alarm was simply malfunctioning, as it has done in the past, and did not evacuate the building. In contrast, my mother-in-law was informed by a staff member that it was a drill and was asked to leave the building. Seniors with limited mobility on the second floor were not notified or assisted in evacuating for at least ten minutes. Several others, including individuals playing at the pool table, also assumed it was a false alarm and remained inside. They were surprised not to see a supervisor rushing to turn the alarm off, as they usually do. Staff in the kitchen area continued working through the alarm, likely assuming it was another routine malfunction.
Overall, there appeared to be a lack of coordination, with individuals scattered throughout the building and no clear guidance on what actions to take. This only underscores the concerns many of us in the community have been voicing for some time. In response, we have submitted two petitions and are prepared to submit a third if necessary. During a real emergency, there simply will not be time to consult policies—staff must be confident in their roles and able to act immediately.
While I appreciate Deputy City Manager Nicole H. Nagaya’s assurances that the BHCC was designed with safety and resiliency in mind, today’s drill unfortunately exposed clear gaps in both communication and emergency preparedness. Reassurances, while appreciated, are not enough when it comes to the safety of a vulnerable population. With rising risks from climate-related events—such as yesterday’s tsunami warning and recent disasters in Texas—readiness and swift action are critical.
I remain committed to working with City staff to help strengthen emergency procedures and ensure a safer environment for my family and neighbors. Thank you again for taking this important step—I hope today’s drill will lead to real and meaningful improvements.
Sincerely,
Eduardo
25 year Menlo Park Resident
