Community Preparedness
During a major disaster or event, it is unlikely that regular “traditional” responders will be able to meet all the needs of the community as they usually do. Neighborhoods and communities may need to be self-sustaining for a period of time until help can arrive. Here are some suggestions to prepare your neighborhood to help each other and provide for good communications should traditional means of communications and/or roads are disrupted. For further information on disaster preparedness, go to www.sanjuandem.net.
1ST MEETING
The first step is for the residents to prepare a detailed neighborhood map which plots out the locations of all propane/natural gas turn-off valves, and also identifies the location of vulnerable residents (defined as the elderly, the disabled, and children). This map helps neighbors, both physically and psychologically, on what to do in those first stressful moments of a disaster. During the meeting, the group will also discuss the nine sequential steps that they should all take during the golden hour as follows:
- Are we safe?
Check on your love ones. Focus on the importance of family emergency preparation. Think through possible follow up effects: tsunami, after-shocks, downed lines, etc. - Clothing
Dress for safety- appropriate seasonal clothing, boots, gloves, etc. - Utilities
Turn off propane/gas valves. - Water Conservation
Shut off water valve- Save the water inside the hot water heater for future use. - Communication
Place a communication card in your house window to let your neighbors know of your family’s condition- a card with OK written on one side and HELP written on the backside. - Fire Protection
Place your fire extinguishers outside your house, in a good line-of-sight location, so that the equipment can be used to put out fires in the neighborhood. - Gather
Residents go to a predetermined location in the neighborhood, preferably a covered area, to meet your fellow neighbors. This location is chosen during the first meeting. - Inventory
From this spot, people go and do the following tasks: 1. check on the vulnerable residents, 2. provide basic first aid, 3. turn off any remaining gas valves, and 4. note any other obvious damage (water tanks, downed trees, culverts, etc.). - Report
After completing these basic tasks, everyone should return to the meeting place and report back to the group on any situations they have found. A single representative should be sent with this information to local fire station (if safe to travel). If phones and or email are working, this is the better means of communication (call 378-9925 or email eoc@sanjuandem.net).
2ND MEETING
At the next neighborhood meeting, the group will establish and assign residents to the following response teams:
- Safety Team
This team will be responsible for shutting off gas valves, and giving basic first aid. - Light Search and Rescue Team
This team will go door to door and check on the welfare of the residents. - Care Team
This team will take care of the elderly, disabled, and the children.
In addition at the meeting, the group will also review basic disaster scenarios focusing on which teams go where and what they do. These simulations empower the residents and help to develop the groups’ critical thinking about disaster response.
3RD MEETING
In the 3rd year, the purpose of the meeting is primarily to practice drills, update the plotted map, and to re-acquaint people and new residents with the emergency plan. Enrichment activities can also be provided to teach residents new skills.
