Community Organization Preparedness     

What role can your community organization play in helping your members and community plan for and recover from a disaster?

Researchers who study disasters tell us that a community with strong ties suffers less from a particular disaster than one with fewer ties. In addition, regular citizens invariably play a large role in getting a community safely through the immediate impact of a disaster, as well as helping the community recover afterwards. So, what can your organization do?

First, you can make sure that you've got a disaster plan in place that takes into consideration your members and your organization's facilities. Click on the questions below for further information and tips.

• Do you have a comprehensive and up-to-date list of your organization's members?
• Do you have a communication tree?                                                
• Do you have a plan to care for those with special needs?
• Do you have a plan to protect your buildings or other property?
• Is your plan coordinated with the broader community and your local emergency management personnel?
• Do your members know your plan?

Once you've planned to keep your members safe, you can turn your attention to the broader community.

• Do your members have any special skills that could be of use to the community? Do you have facilities or equipment that could be of use to the community?

For further information you may contact:

Monroe County Health Department/Emergency Preparedness Division

Monroe County Emergency Management Division

 Other Contacts

Michigan State Police Emergency Management

Federal Emergency Management Division