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Cities of Dublin and Pleasanton | Disaster Debris Management Plan | 2022 <br />68 <br /> Public Forums – Interactive meetings at town halls, Community Emergency Response <br />Teams (CERT) <br /> Direct Mail Products – Direct mail, fact sheets <br /> <br />Public information staff must take advantage of all messaging methods available, particularly if <br />power, utilities, and other infrastructure have been damaged. First responders in the field are often <br />the easiest source of information. The general public recognizes their role and frequently asks <br />questions regarding the recovery operations. Stocking law enforcement and fire vehicles with <br />debris operations information flyers, pamphlets, and other print media allow responders to easily <br />meet the public’s need for information without disrupting response operations. <br /> <br />Debris Information Center: <br />The Cities may establish a temporary debris information center to address concerns and <br />complaints, and answer questions that may not be included in the public information. The platform <br />for a debris information center may be a table or booth at City Hall, a telephone hotline, or an <br />interactive internet site. Feedback from the information center provided management staff an <br />indication of how effective and efficient the operations are progressing and to adjust operations <br />appropriately. <br /> <br />The debris information center may also be utilized to report fraud. Disaster victims have little <br />tolerance of being taken advantage of during an already trying time. Unfortunately, fraud often <br />increases after a disaster. The ability to report fraud and crime supports the communities’ feelings <br />of safety and well-being when public safety agency resources are heavily committed. <br /> <br />6.3 Health and Safety Public Information <br /> <br />Disaster-related accidents and deaths are frequently attributed to mishandling of debris and <br />debris equipment by residents. It is critical that PIOs provide consistent messaging on health and <br />safety when handling debris. Sample health and safety public information messages are provided <br />in Attachment J. <br /> <br />Lead in Damaged Materials or Debris <br />Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint, which may flake after being <br />soaked by floodwater. Lead is a toxic metal that causes many negative health effects, especially <br />in children. Disturbing materials containing lead-based paint may release lead dust into the air. <br />The public will be encouraged to seek help from public health authorities or specially trained <br />contractors if they suspect that debris in their home is contaminated with such paint. <br /> <br />Contaminant Sediment <br />The sediment left behind by receding floodwater often contains a wide variety of pollutants. They <br />can include fuel oils, gasoline, human and animal waste, metals, and other material. Individuals <br />will be encouraged to avoid contact with sediment. The public will be advised to wash any <br />exposed skin with soap and water and change into clean clothing if they do encounter <br />contaminated sediment.