joann jordan public education coordinator city of seattle, office of emergency management
TRANSCRIPT
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!