FEMA Promising Practice: Establishing Disability Community Preparedness Through State and Local Efforts Webinar March 10, 2016 === What we will cover today: • Lessons Learned from past Disasters • Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Training with and for People with Disabilities and others with Access and Functional Needs (PWD AFN) * Why and How • Tips and Best Practices * Local CERT PWD/E Outreach Packet === Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina • 73% of deaths in New Orleans Hurricane Katrina * Persons age 60+ * Comprised only 15 percent of population === How we Started: - Didn’t Know what we didn’t know * Secured TOP LEVEL SUPPORT * Surveys to determine needs and challenges * Ask the tough questions – open dialogue * Identified greatest concerns: * Security/Safety * Emergency Supplies, medications, etc. * Family/caregivers assistance and communications * Transportation === Realizations – Next Steps: • Developed Action Items Matrix * FEMA ADA Toolkit for Local Government * Broken down in 8 categories * Identified who, what, where, when and how * Continuous improvement • Developed collaborative Work Groups, agreements & continuous sharing * Based on greatest concerns from survey === Looked at Plans and Training Gaps • Issues/challenges identified in Surveys • Resources * Needed * Available - collaborative efforts * (DME providers agreements, etc.) • Need to improve overall resilience for ALL community === Where we wanted to go – FULLY INCLUSIVE Plans and Training: • Emergency Operations Plans & Training * First Responder Training * Shelter Operations Plans & training * Transportation & Evacuation * Shelter-In-Place • CERT Teams Training * CERT Neighborhood Team Community Outreach Efforts === WHY CERT WORKED WELL • CERT Goal: “To Do the Most Good for the most number of People” WHY? • Foster Collaboration WITH AND FOR PWD AFN & CERT Teams IN THEIR neighborhood • CERT’s are in a unique position to increase resilience at the neighborhood level === Started with Basic ADA Issues • Always treat everyone with respect • PWD and others with AFN = over 30% population and growing • Include in ALL planning * “Nothing about us without us” === Basic ADA Issues and CERT Training • Be Prepared - If you are not sure – ASK • SAFETY FIRST * Accessibility * Mobility issues * Lighting * Audio === EVERYONE Needs to be Involved • CERT Teams are in a unique position to help individuals prepare • Planning before an emergency can save lives, reduce illness and injury • Doing something NOW is better than hoping for assistance after emergency === CERT Training to Empower Everyone • Think ahead…develop an emergency plan * Communication during emergency • Make an emergency kit * Does not need to be complicated or expensive • Stay informed * Local emergency plans and services • Get involved * Join CERT Team === What roles do PWD AFN fulfill in CERT Teams? • Incident Commander • Team Leader • Documentation • Communications • Logistics • Safety Officer • And more . . . . === CERT Buddy System at its Best! • Neighborhood CERT Teams working together * Team effort – role for everyone * training and planning * Increases preparedness for all * Empowering everyone * Speeds up recovery efforts === ADDITIONAL CERT TRAINING for PWD AFN • Create an emergency support network • Work with providers and social support networks to develop contingency plans for an emergency * Complete Vial of Life * Carry a medications list in your wallet * Develop a transportation plan CERT PWD AFN for all CERT Team Members • Personal Preparedness * Make a kit, stay informed, get involved • Share emergency plans • Communication • Transportation === Contra Costa County CERT and Richmond CERT Efforts Developed by Contra Costa County CERT PWD AFN collaboration with: * County Health Services * County Animal Services * American Medical Response * Grant from UASI * English & Spanish === CERT Neighborhood Outreach Packets • Community guide, resources, Vial of Life, Window signs & clings • Download at: http://ca-richmond2.civicplus.com/206/Office-of-Emergency-Services === We are ALL in this together • Right thing to do • Right time • Right reason – * For the Good of the whole community === Conclusion – How to be Inclusive and Collaborative? MUST HAVE TOP LEVEL SUPPORT • Continue to outreach and question • Continue to collaborate • Continue to do the right thing for ALL === Finally Working together increases everyone's chances for survival Questions? Thank You – AND a BIG Thanks to Contra Costa County CERT Committee! Kathryn Gerk, CEM Kathy_gerk@ci.richmond.ca.us