SMCOAD: A Case Study, Part III
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Guest Post by Mimi Mills
Editor’s Note: This is the second of a three part series about Southern Maine Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SMCOAD). Part I focused on the mission and history of SMCOAD. Part II focused on the successes of SMCOAD, as well as lessons learned. Part III discusses how to get involved.
Start with just one of these suggestions to get prepared and get involved in SMCOAD!
Individual
• Volunteer! – register as an emergency volunteer at www.VolunteerMaine.org
• Attend a training to be a prepared volunteer.
• Share preparedness information with your family and neighbors
• Ask about the emergency plan at your child’s school or family member’s nursing home.
• Develop a family disaster kit and emergency plan. Remember, the first 72 (hours) are up to you!
• For information on developing a family emergency plan, go to: www.redcross.org or www.ready.gov.
Workplace
• Join a COAD group
• Start a call list for your organization.
• Network with other organizations in your area and in your field.
• Work with others in your organization to develop an internal emergency plan. For information and checklists, go to: www.redcross.org or www.ready.gov.
• Encourage employees to prepare their families and have back-up plans in place.
Community
• Learn what the needs are in the community and how your organization could help. (Can you offer meeting space? case management? food preparation/ delivery? emergency funding? generators? etc.)
• Participate in community emergency exercises.
• Start a COAD.
• Assist with community planning and response.
For Your Information:
SMCOAD meets every other month in various locations throughout York and Cumberland Counties. For more information contact:
York County:
Mimi Mills, Director of Volunteer! York County
United Way of York County
Mimi Mills has been Director of Volunteer! York County at the United Way of York County since May 2006.