Preparedness as a Catalyst for Building Community….

Before “it” happens!

JoAnn JordanPublic Education Coordinator

City of Seattle, Office of Emergency Management

Understand what preparedness means Identifying the barriers to preparedness Overcoming the barriers Creating Realistic expectations Consequence based planning Simple plans for residents that can be

remembered and engaged Options for success

Goals

There is no magic preparedness wand

Preparedness Pill

People don’t want to think about it 4 phases of denial 3 big barriers + 1 new attitude! Managing expectations Limited resources –

◦number of professional responders –vs- community members;

◦number of staff –vs- residents; ◦amount of funding available; etc.

Challenges

DANGER

EXPECTATIONS

What are your organizational expectations of government, professional responders and social service agencies in disaster situations?

What are your expectations of your residents/tenants?

What do you think your residents/tenants expect of you?

What are the expectations….

If yes, how can we bridge the gap?

Communication Coordination Collaboration Education Support Celebration

Is there a gap?

People will live up or down to your expectations, depending on what they are

People will do what they think is the right thing, given lack of training.

Expectations

So, if you had a magic wand….

What would a prepared community look like?

A prepared Community ….

Has individuals who are prepared to be self sufficient for 7 – 10 days

Would be where residents share a willingness to help each other

Has a communications plan that they help create themselves and practice regularly

Has a great partnership with tenants to have emergency supplies and equipment for community emergency response teams

Has a resident team with community skills training programs such as first aid, and CERT

A prepared Community ….

Break It Down…..

Prepared For What?

New York State Identified Hazards Food (including flooding due to possible dam failure)

Hurricane Tornado Winter Storm Hail Storm

Wildfire Drought Extreme Temperatures

Earthquake Landslide Subsidence Power Failure.

NYC Identified Hazards NYC Hazards Building

Collapses/Explosions Carbon Monoxide Coastal Storms &

Hurricanes Disease Outbreaks &

Biological Events Earthquakes

Extreme Heat Fire Flooding HazMats, Chemical

Spills & Radiation Severe Weather Thoughts on

Terrorism Utilities Disruptions Winter Weather

So….What does that mean to me?

Consequence Based Planning and Education

What are the 2 most common disasters/events you are likely to have to deal with?

What are the consequences of these events? What do they have in common?

Overcoming the consequences

Education and Information

What are the safety actions you and your residents should know?

I smell smoke in my home/building?The ground starts shaking?I see a medical emergency?I hear that we are having a wind storm/power outage?

What do I do when…….

STAY SAFE!!!

Survival

How will I get emergency information on what to do?

How will I connect with my family and friends?

What will your residents be most concerned about?

Education

Overcoming the

consequences. Make a Plan

Build a KitHelp Each Other

Communications planStay off all phones for 3 – 5 hours unless

you need 911 for a life threatening emergency.

Long distance, land lines are more reliable after a disaster.

Choose a friend or relative to be an “out of area contact” or relay point for messages to your family.

After 3 – 5 hours, call your “out of area contact” and check in!

Face Book if availableTEXT MESSAGING IS EVEN BETTER!!

Individual & Family Plan

Start With The Three P’s

Paper

Pencil

People

Building Communications Plan

Create places for people to post notes

Then add Technology!

Disaster reunion planWhere will you meet up if you can’t contact your family?

Individual & Family Plan

Expectations & reality

1.) Professional responders will be delayed

2.) Building Mgmt will be delayed or unable to help, depending on the time of day and availability.

Creating a plan with your residents

Education

Overcoming the

consequences. Make a Plan

Build a KitHelp Each Other

Build a kit• Store supplies for you and your

family.WaterRadio and Batteries Flashlight & Glow Sticks Prescription MedsFood Eye glasses Comfy clothesSturdy shoes

What do I put my supplies in?

Where do I put my kit so it will be accessible and not damaged?

Around the house stuff that can be used after a disaster……..

Pen, paper & markers for messaging

Ties, tissues, tape for first aid supplies

Garbage bags for insulation, rain gear shelter & bathroom

Sandwich bags for gloves

Pound on the walls to signal for help

Sturdy shoes Water Pillowcases to carry

stuffWhat else????

Encourage Creative Resourcefulness

Education

Overcoming the

consequences. Make a Plan

Build a KitHelp Each Other

Your Best Source of Help Will Be……

Your Neighbors, Co-workers, Family & Friends

Planning and Relationships

•Building relationships is hard•Language Barriers•Trust Issues•Physical limitations•Some communities/buildings have more turn-over than others

People don’t always get along…..

Create a buffet of ways to get the information to the community◦ News letters◦ New tenant packet◦ Bulletin boards◦ Special events ◦ Trainings

Seek out the trusted sources to be advocates for your efforts.

Partner with other agencies & communities in your area

How can you as management and leaders help?

Be ready to provide information and training when the opportunity comes.◦ Events that happen elsewhere that capture media

attention

◦ Your goal is to have information, training, materials, resources available when they are ready to hear it and take action!

Capture the teachable moment

Your building/community plan should be simple:◦ Basic safety actions to take for the basic hazards◦ Step by step directions that are memorable◦ Establish meeting places for people to check on

each other

For example:SNAP – Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare

Keep it simple

Modify what’s out there to fit your needs:SNAP; What to do to Make It Through; All

Together Now; Map Your Neighborhood Resources available through FEMA, Red

Cross, NYC and State have great web sites. Build a relationship with your local office of

emergency management, Red Cross, etc. Look at grant sources with a different lens!

If you think you are inventing a wheel….. Think Again!

Create partnerships with your tenants & community:◦ Provide resources and recognition for their time

First aid supplies and training if they will take the class

Leadership training for those interested Regular recognition for those who help

Examples◦ Department of Neighborhood Awards in Seattle◦ Target Corp. community building events◦ Police and other foundation support

Ideas for success:

How do you eat

an elephant

?

Don’t get overwhelmed!