ADA National Network Learning Session: Smart911 Program Outcomes during the Missoula 2017 Wildfire Season - Lessons from a whole community approach to emergency planning

ADA National Network Learning Session: Smart911 Program Outcomes during the Missoula 2017 Wildfire Season - Lessons from a whole community approach to emergency planning

14th June, 2018

In February 2012, Missoula County acquired Smart911 and later added SmartPrepare and Rave Alerts. The Missoula LEPC and DPC integrated these systems into emergency management activities, including response activities during the 2017 Missoula Wildfire Season. Presenters will share lessons learned from targeted promotion activities and use of the systems to reach persons with disabilities and with access and functional needs.

Learning objectives:

  • Learn about how to use Smart911, SmartPrepare, and Rave Alerts to reach persons with disabilities and with access and functional needs.

Presenters:

Nick Holloway has been with the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management since 2012 and he has an active role in the emergency operations center and joint information center. Nick developed and coordinates Missoula County's Volunteer and Donations Management program and facilitates Missoula County's Community Organizations Active in Disaster or COAD program, both of which were activated during the busy 2017 wildfire season.

Nick also serves as a public information officer on the Western Montana Incident Management Team, a regional all-hazards type 3 IMT. In the past year, he deployed to wildfire incidents and snow emergencies around Montana.

Meg Ann Traci is a senior scientist with expertise in both early childhood and life-span development. Her research is committed to improving the health and wellness of persons with disabilities. She is a member of RHEC VIII and is the senior consultant on the Montana Disability and Health Program, one of the CDCs 19 State Programs on Disability and Health. In this role, she has been working with community and emergency management partners to take a whole community approach to emergency planning, response, and recovery.

Leah Hickey has been with the Missoula City-County Health Department since 2014. Utilizing her training in Biology, Education, and Public Health, Leah builds and coordinates all aspects of public health emergency preparedness. In her current position as a Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, she collaborates with key agencies and community partners to enact emergency planning that addresses the whole community. She serves in designated roles in the ICS structure during incidents. Leah also chairs the Missoula Access & Functional Needs Subcommittee, which aims to enhance the capability of individuals and families with access and functional needs to plan for, survive, and recover from emergencies and disasters in Missoula County.

Handouts: