Disaster response
GATHER CRITICAL INFORMATION
- Designate District Disaster Response Chair and Committee
- Club presidents identify club Disaster Response Committee Chair
- Club Disaster Response Chair identifies:
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- Rotarians with special needs (such as wheelchair assistance, oxygen, special medications, etc.).
- Rotarians with equipment or skills (such as medical or emergency response training) that would be useful in response or clean-up efforts
- Fire/Police/Emergency Responders in club: notify local and surrounding clubs of weather briefings and impending weather dangers.
- City officials and public works employees in clubs: notify local and surrounding clubs of pertinent information related to impending disasters
- Rotarians and community businesses, churches who are equipped to donate relief supplies, and temporary housing
- Community or other organizations that provide food and shelter: local food banks and city/county areas to shelter
- Existing emergency response groups in your area (Red Cross, Salvation Army and others)
ASSIGNMENTS & PROCEDURES
- Account for every club member and family (Phone tree/Whatsapp)
- Assess the club members and community needs.
- Respond as needed
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- Seek medical assistance for those who have been injured or who have other health challenges.
- Coordinate response efforts (such as helping to locate or reunite separated family members) with authorities and community relief organizations.
- Plan how to supply basic provisions and services-such as food, medical aide, temporary shelter, and clothing-for members and
- Provide assistance to members who have suffered damage to homes or belongings, emotional trauma, injury or loss of livelihood.
LIKELY DISASTERS AND POTENTIAL NECESSITIES DISRUPTED
- Potential Disasters: Hurricane, Tornado, Flood, Fire, Earthquake,Virus/Pandemic
- Necessities Disrupted by Disaster and Solutions
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- Physical Safety: (Stop the Bleed, CPR)
- Power Sources: (Candles, Flashlight, generator)
- Communication: (Cell phones, computers, radios, ham radio operators)
- Shelter: (temporary housing or more permanent shelter until homes are habitable)
- Emotional well-being: Families affected financially, stress, mental toll, daycare, schooling difficulties. Stress on Healthcare workers and first responders
- Compromised population unable to leave their homes: Getting groceries, medications. Checking in on those populations regularly
- Planning for Disruptions
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- Solutions: First 72 hours, First few weeks, More than 1-2 months
- List of Rotarians nearby who are willing to house/feed responders coming into the area to help.
- List of Rotarians in neighboring communities that can temporarily house evacuees
IDENTIFY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION METHODS
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- Internet communications (including e-mail, social media, club websites). o Text messaging (may be available even if unable to make calls).
- Effective and timely communication to Rotarians in affected areas re: weather advisories/updates. o Effective and timely communication to mobilize responders as well as housing/food.
- Call Tree/WhatsApp (District Committee®Assist Gov.®Ciub Presidents/Disaster Chair®Members)
- Prepare calling trees and Whatsapp contacts to quickly disseminate information and updates o What to do if communication is out?
ENCOURAGE CLUB MEMBER EMERGENCY PREPARATION
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- Water/Food and Emergency Supplies Reserves o Important Documents in Safe Place
- Medication and first aid supplies in reserve
- Obtain basic First Aid Training (CPR, Stop the Bleed)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortages
- Training/How to Guide for Rotary Disaster Response Grant. Coordinate with Grant Chair
RESOURCES
- Disaster Network of Assistance Rotary Action Group
- o Disaster Aid USA
- o Shelter Box
- o Rotary Disaster Response and Grant Information
- o American Red Cross
- o FEMA Emergency Supply List
- Stop the Bleed Training
- Red Cross “How to Prepare for Emergencies during Covid19“
- Local Food Banks/Shelters: List your area food banks and shelters
