To: Board of Supervisors
From: Aaron J. McAlister, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: CAER 2026 Shelter-in-Place Education Day
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution proclaiming November 4, 2026, as the Contra Costa County Shelter-in-Place Education Day.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa County Community Awareness and Emergency Response Group, Inc. (CAER) has worked with schools and daycare facilities for the last twenty-five years on sheltering in place when there is a hazardous material release that could impact them. This protective action is the best immediate action that a person can take to protect them against exposure to hazardous materials that could occur from an accidental release or spill. Attached find the proclamation and a flyer announcing November 4, 2026, as Shelter-in-Place Education Day.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this action is not taken, there will not be a much public awareness with regard to Shelter-in-Place Education Day in Contra Costa County.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming November 4th, as Contra Costa County Shelter-in-Place Education Day.
WHEREAS, public and private schools ‘throughout Contra Costa County will be participating in the Shelter-in-Place Drill on November 4th.
WHEREAS, Contra Costa Community Awareness Emergency Response Group - CAER - is sponsoring the 25th Annual Shelter-in-Place Drill and assisting schools and childcare centers with their emergency preparedness.
WHEREAS, emergency response agencies including fire, sheriff and health officials all recommend Shelter-in-Place as the immediate action to take in case of a hazardous release.
WHEREAS, the Shelter-in-Place Drill increases public awareness about Shelter-in-Place is a protective action and gives students and teachers practice in implementing this important procedure.
WHEREAS, the County Office of Education has endorsed the Shelter-in-Place Drill and encouraged all sites to participate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of preparing for emergencies and encourages participation in the Contra Costa CAER Group’s public education efforts. In support of the parents, teachers, students and staff that will be participating with hundreds of other schools in the Shelter-in-Place Drill, we proclaim November 4, 2026, as “Shelter-in-Place Education Day.”
end