 |
 |
Working together toward local sustainability - integrating economy, ecology and community via action and education |
| who we are | what we do | what you can do | contact Local 2020 |
Self Reliance - Community Resilience
Disasters are major events that can strike anywhere and at any time. In a widespread serious emergency, such as a massive earthquake or a windstorm-driven lengthy power outage, traditional 9-1-1 and First Responder capabilities such as fire, police, medics, and utility personnel may be overwhelmed and unable to immediately assist individuals and families. People may be largely on their own for at least the first several days following the disaster and perhaps for up to two weeks, depending on the emergency. This fact often does not occur to many, so people live with a false sense of security as a result.
Our local worst case scenario might well be an earthquake, for which there is no warning, and thus no chance to evacuate. Being well prepared at home and at work, along with being able to know and trust your neighbors, is more than a good idea, it could be life-saving and can give us peace of mind.
A good starting point is for each individual household to take small but consistent, necessary steps to get emergency food, water, and other supplies collected and stored in a safe place.
The website GetEmergencyPrepared offers all you need to begin.
We’ve all heard the call to prepare for emergencies. Preparing your
neighborhood is vital! The YOYO acronym, You're On Your Own,
will mean that neighbors will likely be the first ones to offer you
assistance. Neighbors who are prepared are more effective in their
response to an emergency and have an increased capacity to be
self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a disaster. Our rural lifestyle
and distance from major metropolitan centers has always called for
self-reliance and neighbors helping neighbors. Since 2006, there
has been a Neighborhood Preparedness movement afoot in our
communities to build a stronger partnership between you and your
neighbors for any emergency scenario.
Jefferson County is one of the leaders in the State of Washington in this type of neighborhood grass roots organization for emergency preparedness. The combined strength of the Department of Emergency Management resources and communication systems with Local 20/20's grassroots recruitment of neighborhoods has early signs of being a very effective method of community organizing for future disaster response.
With concerns about global climate change on our horizon, Local
20/20, in the effort to "work together toward local sustainability by
integrating economy, ecology, and community via action and
education", is absolutely committed to expanding our collective
readiness for the unexpected emergencies that lie ahead.
Jefferson County, Washington
Edited interview of Deborah Stinson and Bob Hamlin, about our local efforts to prepare our neighborhoods for emergencies
North Olympic Peninsula's Local 20/20, serving communities in East Jefferson County, Washington.
"Working together toward local sustainability - integrating economy, ecology and community through action and education."
"Working together toward local sustainability - integrating economy, ecology and community through action and education."
Looking for more information? Send us an Email
Click here to join our Weekly Announcements Listserv
