The Northern California Bay Area
Toxic chemicals, biological pathogens, radiological substances, unshielded
nuclear material and explosives, whether used as weapons of mass destruction by
foreign or domestic terrorists or released during natural disasters or
industrial accidents, pose a significant threat to human life and safety. These
items are commonly found in the San Francisco Bay Area. Building the capability
to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE)
incidents is a priority for both our emergency service personnel and the
populace of the Bay Area.
The risk of a CBRNE incident in the San Francisco Bay Area is significant, given
the size and density of the regions population, the size and importance of the
regions economy, the presence of major industrial facilities and the potential
for accidents within the regions dense network of highways, railroads and
waterways. Regional capabilities for response to a potential CBRNE incident are
critical to ensuring the impact of such an incident can be contained and
minimized.
In the fall of 2006 the Bay Area UASI established the CBRNE Working Group, which
is made up of subject matter experts from the fields of law, fire, emergency
medical service, pubic health and offices of emergency service. The initial
project of the CBRNE Working Group was to assess regional capabilities response
to a range of CBRNE events, including sabotage, terrorism and industrial
accidents, and to develop a strategic plan to enhance those capabilities. In May
2008, the CBRNE Working Group completed the CBRNE Assessment and Strategic Plan
(Plan).
The intended goal of the Plan is to provide a blueprint that will assist the
UASI in making resource allocation decisions so that a wide range of response
capabilities will be enhanced. Local entities are encouraged to utilize the
CBRNE Assessment and Strategic Plan as a tool to better inform planning and
decision-making efforts. Through effective utilization of the Plan, the Bay Area
region will improve its readiness and enhance its effective regional response
capabilities to CBRNE related events.
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