On November 12, 1936, the Bay Bridge from Oakland to San Francisco opened to traffic. Today, many commuters rely heavily on the bridge, and issues from minor bottlenecks to major breakdowns happen whenever it is not usable. If you have bridges, tunnels or similar potential bottlenecks in your community, be sure you have viable alternatives worked out before an emergency. Map out the different routes in to and out of your area. Have the schedules and information numbers for transit alternatives such as buses, trains, ferries and ride-sharing opportunities readily available. Make your organization more resilient by sharing and posting these solutions and resources with all staff, volunteers, partners and vendors.

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October 31st, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

On October 28th, 1998, the internationally-acclaimed Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of South Africa released its report on the Apartheid era. The report emphasized responsibility, honesty and forgiveness as keys to a better future. Both victims and perpetrators of decades-long violence and abuse were ultimately given opportunities to speak openly about their experiences, and the environment created by the TRC is credited with helping to move the nation forward. Disasters often cause breaks in trust, with little attention given to the need to reconcile, so future preparedness efforts are built on a broken foundation. Consider using the TRC approach and set aside a time and place for your staff and those your organization serves to air their grievances, resolve issues and create a new future — without shame, blame or anger.

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October 24th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

On October 22nd 1924, the first club of Toastmasters International (TI) was founded by Ralph Smedley in Santa Ana, California. TI – a nonprofit educational organization – operates clubs worldwide to help members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. A capable speaker can make the most challenging topics seem relevant and interesting, while an unskilled, uncomfortable speaker can lose even the most committed audiences. For topics that trigger extra resistance and fear, such as emergency preparedness and disaster response, it is especially important that presenters and community educators be powerful public speakers. Provide multiple opportunities for your speakers to improve and practice their skills. You can find your local Toastmasters International club by going to http://www.toastmasters.org/find.

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October 17th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

October 31st is Halloween, when stores are filled with items that will help you be more prepared at any time of year. Be ready to stock up at sale prices! Halloween noisemakers, voice amplifiers and gadgets can work as loudspeakers, personal alarms, or to provide advice and warning messages triggered when someone walks by. Items to keep kids safe at night – such as glowsticks, reflectors, flashlights – can do the same thing for anyone, every night of the year. Halloween is meant to be scary, but preparedness shouldn’t be! Pick up these low-cost, effective safety tools while they’re on sale, and add them to your go-kits. Consider buying in bulk for your staff and consumers, and build some new relationships with neighbors or vendors.

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October 10th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

October 12th is Indigenous People’s Day, marking the arrival of Europeans to the Americas in 1492. Better known as Columbus Day, the name change reflects the growing need for cultural sensitivity – as along with Christopher Columbus’ discovery came the decimation of many native people and their cultures.

Take this opportunity to review your literature and ensure that the language used is culturally sensitive and current. Changing “handicapped” to “people to with disabilities” and “non-English Speakers” to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) are two good examples. Keeping in touch with current social values is key to maintaining community trust and your reputation as a relevant and competent service provider.

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October 10th, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

CESA Conference 2011 is off to a great start. We are at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Diego.

Listening to keynote speaker Dr. James Reese.

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October 4th, 2011 | Tags: CESA | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

On October 1st, 1975, heavyweight boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier met in the much-hyped “Thrilla in Manila.” Ali, the heavy favorite, did not train hard. Meanwhile, the highly motivated Frazier was a model of disciplined training. Ali consequently found Frazier to be his greatest opponent – the match lasted 14 rounds. Frazier’s determination impressed all and the fight is still considered one of the greatest sporting events of the twentieth century. Follow Frazier’s example: be highly disciplined in implementing your preparedness initiatives. Write out your goals and timelines; have specific, measurable objectives clearly articulated; and have someone hold you accountable. Prepare like Frazier and you’ll help your audiences win the fight against fear, complacency and other obstacles.

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October 3rd, 2011 | Category: 2011, STAT | Leave a comment

Day 26 Your words matter! Share personal preparedness success stories; show the difference it made for you. National Preparedness Month #NPM

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September 29th, 2011 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Day 25 Like to cook? Create tasty recipes using canned and long shelf-life foods like rice and beans. National Preparedness Month #NPM

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September 29th, 2011 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment