Building Resilient Communities Jacqueline Yannacci Community Preparedness and Resilience Services July 18, 2012

What makes a disaster resilient community? Whole Community View  Takes into consideration community conditions  Spotlight on:  Community engagement and empowerment  Making connections and building trust  Facilitating collective action around disaster cycle as well as other community conditions  Build on strengths 2

Red Cross Role  Traditional offerings  Preparedness Education and Mitigation  Partnerships  Health and Safety  New Area – focus on community level preparedness and resilience 3

Community Resilience Strategy  Learn how to identify hazards, risks, and assets  Plan initiatives that leverage resources from the participants and broader community  Utilize Red Cross preparedness tools and best practices in field  Monitor progress and reassess goals 4

Case Study: Homestead, FL  Daycares unprepared, motivated to improve, interest from organization that supports them  Network includes local EMA, utility company  Surveyed daycares on current preparedness levels  Conducted small exercise  Conducted a panel of experts in key areas  Setting up sister sites  Adding new stakeholders as they go

Case Study: Biloxi, MS  Asian American community wanting to connect and build trust with larger community  Co-sponsored diversity training  Media coverage – sparked interest from Deputy Fire Chief  New network sponsored by fire department focused on Hispanic and Asian American communities 6

Successes and Challenges  Does not take a lot of financial resources, does take staff time  Let the community drive focus and action, balance with guidance  Flexible application of strategy  Less dependent on government 7

Early Pilot Results Six months  145 organizations  82% made new connections  93% stronger relationships  100% “I can impact preparedness”

Questions/Comments?