Preparedness aids responders, saves lives

Getting to know a neighbor builds community, creates friendships and, in a time of emergency, can help save lives.

Last Monday, the Stanwood Camano Fire Department and Island County Department of Emergency Management helped citizens take the first step.

Fifteen people attended the “Map Your Neighborhood” facilitator training session on Camano Island, directed by the county’s Emergency Manager Mike Simmons.

“The program takes you through the nine steps to take immediately following a disaster or emergency,” said Simmons. “Part of this is knowing your neighborhood and identifying people with special needs or circumstances.”

Facilitators are encouraged to maintain a neighborhood contact list that identifies the elderly, people with a disability or homes where children may be alone during certain hours of the day.

The ideal neighborhood group is up to 15 households, said Simmons.

Communities or large subdivisions can be broken down by streets or cul-desacs.

“The program works equally well for rural areas on the island and around Stanwood,” he said. “It’s geared for everyone.”

The two-hour session provides citizens with information to take back to their community. Facilitators can tailor the program to meet the needs of their specific neighborhood group.

The common-sense information allows citizens to build a web of organization, acquire a list of resources, as well as neighbors’ specialized skill sets, and identify the locations of water shut off, natural gas and propane tank valves for quick response.

“It takes a load off the responders trying to deal with emergency situations,” said Simmons. “Some of the information seems obvious until you are in an actual emergency.”

Knowing which neighbors have supplies and skills ensures a timely response to a disaster and allows everyone to give in a meaningful way.

“Everyone has something to contribute,” said Simmons.

No special skills are required to attend a “Map Your Neighborhood” facilitator training session, just a willingness to bring neighbors together through organization.

Private information is withheld, and individual household participation is on a volunteer basis.

The simple concept of learning to protect yourself first, then helping others, is at the heart of the program, said Simmons.

“Personal preparedness leads to helping your neighbors,” he said.

The course instructs people to place a good pair of shoes, a hardhat or helmet, eye protection and gloves under their bed.

“It’s a simple thing to do to protect yourself,” said Simmons. “The most common injury after a disaster is from broken glass on the ground.”

And, you don’t know when an emergency will strike. Having a sturdy pair of shoes under the bed is a good way to avoid injury if a disaster occurs at night.

A “Map Your Neighborhood” facilitator course is scheduled for Aug. 30, 6-8 p.m. at the Stanwood Fire Department, 8117 267th Street NW.

“It’s a way to make a conscious effort to make sure people are safe,” said Simmons.

To reserve a seat for the Aug. 30 course, contact Emergency Manager Mike Simmons at 360-387-1512 or e-mail msimmons@camanofire. com.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.