October 28, 1929 was “Black Monday“, one of the pivotal days of the devastating stock market crash just before the Great Depression. Whether major or minor, economic downturns can force sudden budget cuts. Some advance planning and thought can help avoid disastrous quick “fixes” (such as cutting every budget item by a matching set percent, which can weaken all programs). Have a clear – and shared – understanding of your organizational priorities: this leaves you more prepared for both opportunity and financial disaster. Include in discussions the people who will be most impacted by the potential cuts – staff and people served – so that you maintain trust and people have as much time as possible to cope with the change. Cuts done with care, sensitivity and community buy-in can minimize damage and build relationships.

Share

October 20th is the anniversary of the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm. The fire was particularly devastating, both in lives and costs, and required extensive “Mutual Aid” from the fire departments of neighboring jurisdictions.  Outside support was hindered when tools and protocols were not compatible – such as hoses that couldn’t fit on local hydrants.  This disaster prompted efforts that created the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) in California, which was subsequently adapted for the US as the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Talk to your potential partners – those you will depend on and those who will depend on you – to be sure your assumptions and plans can work with theirs.  If possible, test assumptions with practice and drills. Be ready to give and receive assistance smoothly when needed.

Share

The second Monday in October is observed across the United States as Columbus Day, commemorating the Italian explorer’s arrival in the New World.  Although Christopher Columbus did not meet his original goal of a route to Asia, his discovery was recognized as a monumental achievement from his sponsors’ perspective.  However, many today observe the date as Indigenous Peoples Day, acknowledging the devastating consequences to the communities most affected – the natives of the Americas.

As you pursue programs to improve the preparedness and safety of different communities, be sure your measurements of success are meaningful to the people served.  Work with people representing your target populations to find measurements that all involved will agree are needed and valued.  Create room for all partners to have a voice in the process.

Share

The world-famous physicist Niels Bohr was born October 7, 1885 [d. 1962].  Bohr was a senior member of the Manhattan Project and helped create the field of quantum mechanics.  In attempting to explain quantum mechanics, Bohr said that “nothing exists until it is measured.”  For years, “having a plan” was the key measurement of preparedness. Several disasters have shown that simply having a plan does not necessarily lead to successful implementation. Be ready to articulate implementation in measurable ways. Some examples of meaningful numbers: people confident they can respond; tested ways your team can communicate; backup systems tested and in place. Choose actions that make a difference for your needs.  More than the presence of a plan, the measurable, tangible aspects of implementation are often what matter most to staff, funders, media and the people you serve.

Share

For 25 years, the first Tuesday of August has been National Night Out. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), this far-reaching community safety event is promoted as “America’s Night Out Against Crime.” Crime prevention and emergency preparedness are often considered as separate efforts, but they share a great deal. Two tools especially support both goals: keychain whistles and flashlights. These can be used to warn/alert, direct traffic, signal for help, or simply to communicate (Remember: 1=Yes, 2=No, 3=Help!). People armed with whistles and flashlights are more prepared to address the immediate threats of crime and the potential threats posed by other disasters. Look for opportunities to leverage this common ground: bulk purchasing, co-branding, partnering on events, and cross-training are a few options.

Share

July 28, 1586, is considered the date potatoes first arrived in Britain. Potatoes were originally from Peru, where the Incas had developed a freeze-drying process to create “chuñyu” — a dehydrated form of potato with a 10-year shelf life. It served as their emergency food supplies!

In England and Ireland, potatoes became a beloved and familiar food because they are so useful. Like the combination of beans with rice, they are nutritious, low-cost, easy to store, and easy to cook. For your long-term preparedness, look for similar supplies that make it easy to keep yourself, your family and your community healthy and well-fed.

Stock up on simple, staple foods. Any emergency will be easier to handle if you know your basic needs are already addressed.

Share

Before landing on the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 was delayed by seemingly inexplicable glitches and readings from its computer system. These errors were eventually discovered to be a result of obsolete programming, accidentally carried over from Apollo 10. While the astronauts landed safely, this oversight nearly caused tragedy.

Using data, assumptions and procedures from the past, when planning for emergencies in the future, is a danger. Allow time at your next emergency planning meeting to question some basics elements. For example: is it sustainable through high staff turnover? Does it incorporate new demographic data on your diverse community? Are new communication options, like texting, included?

“You can never plan the future by the past.” Edmund Burke, 1729 – 1797

Share

The second Monday of July is International Town Criers Day, a chance to celebrate the noble tradition of disseminating important information through yelling. While town criers are no longer commonplace, word-of-mouth remains one of the most potent tools – particularly in emergencies. Information spreads by word-of-mouth regardless of your “plans” and if no information is available, many people will share assumptions and rumors. Bump up your capacity to get information in and out of your agency quickly. Use as many different methods as possible; multiple languages when appropriate; diverse media outlets; high and low-tech options; as well as runners and town criers. We can’t control what some people will actually say, but we can eliminate the familiar breakdown of people not getting the message in the first place.

Share

On July 7th, 1946, eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes crash-landed an XF-11 spy plane in houses in Beverly Hills, California. Piloting experimental planes is too risky for most of us, but we can all travel more safely with some pre-flight preparedness.

Before traveling, give a trusted person your full itinerary and contact info. Carry multiple forms of identification with you, and stash a photocopy separately. Program cell phones with personal emergency numbers and your medicines and medical conditions – even if you have no reception, it’s still a good electronic storage system. Pack smaller items in ziptop bags – they provide protection from dirt and moisture can be used in hundreds of ways. Remember to carry your keychain whistle and flashlight so you can leave a little stress behind.

Share

On June 30th, 1906, the United States Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act. This legislation was initially concerned with proper labeling of products to protect the public. Use this anniversary to properly label your emergency food, medical items and other supplies.

Label the location of supplies, so you and other people can find them quickly. Put the expiration date (and if needed, the date of storage) on perishable items in your emergency kits. All medicines should be clearly marked with the name of the patient; the condition the medication is used to treat; and any contra-indications or other warnings. Label your supplies now, while you are calm and clear thinking, for use when you may be under stress. Take a few steps now to keep things clear when it counts.

Share