Dublin Parks and Community Services Director: 'Safety is our Highest Priority'

From Paul McCreary, Dublin Parks and Community Services Director:

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The City of Dublin and City of Dublin Parks and Community Services Department ensure that participant safety is our highest priority. Our Department works closely with Dublin Police Services, Dublin Fire Protection and the Dublin Unified School District to ensure a safe environment at all facilities where people participate in City sponsored programs. Whether it involves a natural disaster or something human-initiated, we fully understand that safety is core to our mission. We also want everyone to understand that we are providing the safest environment we possibly can. Dublin Police and Fire participate in exercises to ensure that we are prepared to respond appropriately to any emergency.

As we continue to reflect on the senseless and tragic incident that took place in Connecticut, we would like to provide you with some information about some of the things we do to promote safety. The Parks and Community Services Department works closely with the Dublin Police Services and the Dublin Unified School District (when necessary), to ensure the safest environment possible at all of our locations. These efforts include both prevention and response strategies, with a high priority on effective communication during an emergency. We will continue to perform safety audits at each of our locations that identify entry and exit points and any vulnerable aspects of a room layout. Fire protection and law enforcement have this information and are intimately familiar with the layouts of our facilities, and can respond appropriately. Each location has its own emergency plan that acts as a guide before, during and after an emergency situation.

The best prevention strategies, however, involve the awareness and alertness of participants, staff members and parents. We wish to re-emphasize the importance of notifying City personnel or Dublin Police if you see or hear of a person who may have the intent or potential to harm self or others. Dublin Police can be contacted by calling 911 or 925-462-1212 to assist anyone who feels threatened or knows of someone who feels threatened by violence.

In addition, Alameda County has a Crisis Center for those who may wish to speak with a counselor. Counselors are available seven days a week and the phone number is 1-800-309-2131.

Sincerely,

Paul McCreary
Parks and Community Services Director