SNAP is a free city program, founded after the Loma Prieta earthquake, that prepares citizens for disasters in their community. In the years following the program's initiation, the city made budget cutbacks, and the funding for the program stopped. SNAP had all but disappeared, and the city's Office of Emergency Services had only two people on its staff.

Today, SNAP is back, and on Aug. 2, members of the first SNAP class in years graduated at Public Safety's Fire Station No. 2, armed with knowledge to bring back to their communities. Many will become SNAP captains, who are designated to mobilize their neighborhood in the event of a disaster.

In the six weeks prior to graduation, approximately 35 residents from various Sunnyvale neighborhoods went through training to prepare them for many types of emergencies.

Classes include training in a variety of areas. Students learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly in a course on fire safety and suppression. They also learn damage assessment and search-and-rescue techniques, as well as triage, first aid and CPR.

During the last class, Lt. Craig Farley of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety gave a lecture focusing on structural collapse. He defined various types of collapses and evaluation methods for fallen structures.

The exercises for that day centered on shoring, a method of supporting falling structures, and cribbing, a method of easily and safely lifting heavy objects. Both methods focus using on the minimum amount of materials and effort necessary. Fitting with the interactive nature of SNAP training, students practiced various shoring methods with 4-by-4 beams and little else. SNAP members also learned how to lift a 2-ton concrete block with wood blocks and a pry bar.

After the lesson, 17 SNAP members received graduation certificates and congratulations from Mayor Fred Fowler, Public Safety Chief Irwin "Ernie" Bakin, and Lt. Doug LaMar, coordinator for the office of emergency services.

"We wanted movers and shakers," LaMar said. "We were looking for people who demonstrated a commitment to the community."

Fowler, who participated in similar disaster preparation programs, said he was glad that SNAP got back in the picture. After Loma Prieta, interest in SNAP had dwindled.

"There were people out there who had the expertise and the knowledge, but there was no group," he said.

SNAP didn't make its comeback by accident. The renewed mobilization of the group occurred after some effort from the Strongs and the two members of the emergency services office, Lt. Doug LaMar and Cherel Sampson. Along with city resident John Smithson, they met weekly to create a plan of action.

The group decided on a new method of SNAP training. In the past, SNAP would train individuals in one subject and form committees, such as a first aid committee, a search and rescue committee, and so on. This way, every SNAP neighborhood would have one expert in each subject. However, the new leadership saw a problem with this method--what if the person trained in first aid in a certain neighborhood was out of town? The group decided that each student would learn something in every area of disaster preparedness.

The quintet planned a meeting and sent invitations to all of the previous SNAP captains, the Sunnyvale Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SARES) group, and Leadership Sunnyvale members. About 50 people came to the meeting, and about 40 of the attendees decided to begin SNAP training.

Many who went into SNAP are members of SARES, a coordinated group of amateur radio operators that integrates with SNAP in an emergency.

Steve Lemke, both a SNAP participant and SARES member, explained the partnership: "Assuming that a disaster knocks out all the major communication systems in town ... we can actually mobilize a group, a communications infrastructure."

Once they are notified about the disaster, SNAP members can start helping their neighborhoods.

SNAP graduates are encouraged to go one step beyond basic training--and get other members of their neighborhoods to sign up.

"We hope that you share what you've learned with your neighbors," Sampson said to the class. "Invite them to class. Get them into training."

Recruiting neighbors to the program shouldn't be a difficult task. Class feedback has been positive, with many participants wanting more sessions and more information.

"I'm amazed at how enthusiastic everybody's been throughout," Jerilyn said.

This enthusiasm extends to the group's desire for neighborhood interaction. Members of the group strive not only to prepare themselves for the worst but also to build relationships with neighbors and create a disaster-ready community.

"People should ask themselves during the next emergency--a plane crash, flood, earthquake, whatever--is my neighbor going to take care of me?" Ray said.

"This is about communities helping each other," Bakin explained. "Now there are risks that we are considering that we never considered before."

The mayor said he's also encouraged participation in the program.

"I would be happy if everyone in Sunnyvale took this training," he added.

The new graduates would be happy as well.

"We've gotten into it in a big way," Jerilyn said, speaking for both herself and her husband. "We're just loving it. I'd have to say it's probably the most rewarding experience I've ever had. Really."

SNAP begins its next group of training sessions on Oct. 12. For more information on the program, contact the Sunnyvale Office of Public Safety at 408.730.7190.