N.C. Implements Plan for Emergency Preparedness for the Whole Community

Nov. 13--RALEIGH -- Work is underway to ensure that the needs of North Carolina's most vulnerable populations are addressed during disasters. Nearly 70 emergency management planners, firstresponders, state agencies, partner organizations, family members and self-advocates gathered today to hear details of a technical plan and discuss next steps to improve emergency preparedness for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

For the past year these stakeholders met to determine specific ways to better prepare and serve the needs of the whole community. To address those unmet needs, North Carolina Emergency Management embarked upon the Emergency Preparedness Initiative, a four-year program to identify and prioritize action items needed to better prepare people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for emergencies.

"The aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Sandy revealed gaping holes in preparedness and response plans for the elderly and persons with functional needs," said state Emergency Management director Mike Sprayberry. "This program is designed to identify and address those needs for North Carolina residents."

Through a series of meetings and planning sessions, the group examined communication, health, safety and transportation needs whether preparing for or responding to emergencies. They then determined how best to address those needs. The result was a detailed four-year technical plan and blueprint that outlined specific strategies to improve policies and plans, expand partnerships, enhance community awareness, develop specific tools or products and implement training for responders and support professionals.

In addition to developing the technical plan, during the program's first year, the group:

--Surveyed transportation service providers on capacity and capability to serve individuals with access and functional needs during an emergency

--Through collaborative state partnership, identified a communication tool to use in shelters for occupants who have functional communication needs or limited English proficiency

--Improved accessibility of the ReadyNC.org website

The Emergency Preparedness Initiative is made possible by a multi-year grant from the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities.

"We each bear responsibility for being prepared and protecting our families in emergencies," said Sprayberry. "But when it comes to populations with access or functional needs, even those who are prepared may need additional help when disaster strikes."

Sprayberry said the group has done its homework; the technical plan now gives them the blueprint for what to do next and how to move forward during the next three years.

B. J. Drye is editor of The Stanly News & Press. Contact him at (704) 982-2121 ext. 25, bj@stanlnewspress.com or PO Box 488, Albemarle, NC 28002.

Copyright 2014 - The Stanly News & Press, Albemarle, N.C.