Burlingame residents can learn a free communication tool on Thursday, Aug. 27, that could prove critical during a real emergency.

The app is free.

The Burlingame Neighborhood Network is hosting a Zello Workshop at the Burlingame Public Library to teach residents how to use the push-to-talk app, which turns a cell phone into a walkie-talkie. Rik Kasuga, a BNN board member who coordinates communications during the group's drills and serves as the city's CERT Volunteer Program Coordinator, leads the session. BNN's May workshop ran from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library's Upper Level Meeting Room; residents should confirm the Aug. 27 time with BNN directly.

The workshop is a direct lead-in to Burlingame's 13th annual Disaster Response Drill on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in multiple neighborhoods across the city. BNN plans to use Zello as the primary communication channel during the drill, according to a BNN press release.

During the drill, participants checking for simulated incidents will use the app to contact the Incident Commander and request assistance. The exercise trains neighbors to coordinate in the aftermath of a major emergency, when official responders may be overwhelmed.

The City of Burlingame, Central County Fire Department, Burlingame Police Department and the local CERT team are official sponsors of the Oct. 3 drill, according to a separate BNN announcement. Local ham and FRS radio operators also support the exercise.

What to bring

Attendees should download the Zello app before arriving. Those who own an FRS (Family Radio Service) radio should bring it for a refresher on its use during the drill.

Beyond the drill, Zello can be used to communicate with family anywhere in the world, and residents can form neighborhood groups for emergency coordination. Once comfortable with the app, residents can join the BNN Zello Net, held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m.

The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce promoted both events on X on Aug. 20, highlighting the workshop's role in preparing for the drill.

To sign up for the Oct. 3 drill or learn more, visit burlingamenetwork.org/drill. Residents with questions about the Zello Workshop can reach Kasuga at [email protected] or (650) 464-3726.