Communication Plans and Technology

A US Census Bureau and HUD 2017 survey showed that residents have done many actions to be better prepared. One area they need to improve upon is their communication planning with family and friends. Here are some ideas to include in your plans.

Red Cross Safe and Well
After a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. This website is designed to help make that communication easier.
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/

FACEBOOK Safety Check is a tool to communicate, after a disaster, with those important to you.
How does this work?

If it looks like you may be near a major crisis, FB will ask if you're safe.
If you're OK, click or tap the "I'm Safe" button to let friends and loved ones know right away.

FB will let you know when friends say they're safe. You can also check a list of friends who may be affected by the disaster.

This has been used recently in the 2016 Nepal earthquake.
https://www.facebook.com/about/safetycheck/

There are many APPS available to let loved ones know of your location. Use the ones that work for you, and make sure that everyone knows how to use the technology.

Always have a method to charge your phone and have a paper backup with numbers for calling and texting.

The Federal Communication Commission has advice for communicating during a disaster. HERE

Neighborhoods Prepare

Pierce County invites neighborhoods to participate in the Neighborhood Emergency Team or Map Your Neighborhood Programs. Both of these programs promote neighbors meeting and talking about how they would help each other in the event of emergencies or disasters. The primary difference between the programs is the organization and time commitment.
The MYN program will do parts of the NET program such as create a map of your neighborhood highlighting who could be vulnerable and who is willing to do what if a disaster happens.

MYN-Map Your Neighborhood

Learn the “9 Steps to Take Immediately Following a Disaster” to secure your home and to protect your neighborhood. It is hard to think clearly following a disaster and these steps will help you to quickly and safely take actions that can minimize damage and protect lives.
Identify the Skills and Equipment each neighbor has that would be useful in an effective disaster response. Knowing which neighbors have supplies and skills helps your disaster response be timely, and allows everyone to contribute to the response in a meaningful way.
Create a Neighborhood Map identifying the locations of natural gas and propane tanks for quick response if needed.
Create a Contact List that helps identify those with specific needs such as elderly, disabled, or children who may be home alone during certain hours of the day.
Work together as a team to evaluate your neighborhood after a disaster and take the necessary actions.

PC NET- Pierce County Neighborhood Emergency Teams

Will cover the same topics as MYN, but in more detail. Rather than doing all of the listed tasks in one meeting, PC NET, spreads out the organizing for about 1.5 years over 4-5 meetings. Included is a Table Top drill and an optional drill is provided for neighborhood use. Create a neighborhood equipment stash for rescue and first aid.
Your neighborhood will have a designated team, provided with under the bed kits for team members, with helmets, goggles, and other personal safety equipment.
For information contact Peggy at 253-798-2209 at Pierce County Emergency Management

www.piercecountywa.gov/PCNET

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Contact Us
Phone: 253-798-6595

Email:pcdemOUTREACH@co.pierce.wa.us