preparing local social service agencies for disaster response

Preparing Local Social Service Agencies for

Disaster Response

April 4, 2012TEMC

Tropical Storm Allison2001

Hurricane Katrina2005

Hurricane Ike2008

Don’t worry-The government will fix

everything!

Getting started

Meetings:•Operationalize• Prioritize• Set Goals

Define population:Who will we plan to assist?

Formal partners and

informal partnersDo MOU’s make a difference?

How will we do what we say we are going to do?

Standard Operating

Procedures

Until the next disaster-

We have a really great plan!

Perspectives from Inside the Framework

WHY (partner with the government)

WHO (to include)

HOW (to make it work)

WHY?Chaos is not fun

People want to help

Expectations need a reality check

WHO?Providers already serving seniors

Area Agency on Aging

United Way

HOW?Maximize existing expertise

Adopt-A-Senior-Housing Community

Release of Staff

Maintaining a great plan

Communication,Communication,

Communication

Table topexercises

andpanel presentations

Keep upand

stay in touch!

Ellen Seaton, LMSW

Harris County Community Services Department

(713) 696-1948

ellen.seaton@csd.hctx.net

Jane Bavineau

Executive Director, Care For Elders

(713) 685-6506

jbavineau@shelteringarms.org