Emergency Buddy System: A Grassroots Effort
by Dave Forney
LW contributor
Nearly a decade ago, a group of forward-thinking residents in Mutual 2 came together to form an organization dedicated to helping neighbors during disasters. That initiative, born out of community spirit and concern, remains active today.
A New Beginning
Leisure World Mutual Boards, based on guidance from the GRF and independent legal counsel citing liability concerns, discontinued their emergency preparedness programs. Consequently, the role of Dr. Rosa Fabian as Mutual 2’s Director of Emergency Preparedness was dissolved.
Undeterred by the setback and still committed to the cause, Dr. Fabian—with the support of Joanna Matos—established a new volunteer-based initiative: the Emergency Buddy System (EBS). This grassroots organization was created and organized entirely by Mutual 2 residents and operates independently from the Mutual 2 Board of Directors.
Formalizing the Effort
In 2016, EBS was reorganized, and its members assumed officer roles: chair, co-chair, secretary, treasurer and technical advisor. Together, they developed formal guidelines to structure and guide EBS activities.
One of their key initiatives was recruiting “Emergency Building Buddies”—volunteers who, in the event of a disaster, would check on residents in their buildings and report injuries or damage to Emergency Buddy Coordinators and Radio Buddy Operators. Supporting First Responders
The mission of EBS is to assist first responders by accounting for Mutual 2 shareholders during emergencies— provided there are enough volunteers available. While EBS has many CERT-trained members, it does not replace professional emergencyservices. EBSserves as a vital communication and support network within the community.
Communication Tools and Sector Organization In 2020, EBS introduced Family Radio Service (FRS) radios to maintain communication among members during emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its restrictions on gatherings, provided a unique opportunity for radio operators to practice and refine their communication skills.
Mutual 2 is divided into seven EBS parcels or sectors, each containing 8-14 buildings. This structure helps streamline coordination and response efforts. Sector coordinators/ radio operators gather Building Buddy Disaster Inspection reports and forward critical injury information to Ham radio operators.
Self-Preparedness is Essential It is important to understand that EBS is not a substitute for personal emergency preparedness nor for the services provided by professional First Responders. EBS does not have the resources—such as food, water, or medical supplies—to support the entire community.
As the LW Weekly emphasized in its Aug. 22, 2024, article: “In Leisure World, residents are reminded that, in case of an emergency, You’re On Your Own. Each shareholder must plan for and prepare for his or her own safety in the face of an earthquake, wildfire, flood, or tsunami. Utilities may be out, phone lines down, water systems and transportation out of com- mission, while emergency personnel are short-handed.”
What You Can Do
Every shareholder should take steps to prepare for emergencies by storing essential supplies like water, food, and medications in their units. These supplies should be sufficient to last from three days to two weeks. For more information, visit the Seal Beach Police Department at www.sealbeachpd.com and click “Emergency Preparedness.”
Emergency Notification Systems
Consider downloading the MyShake app to receive earlywarning earthquake alerts. It is available on the App Store and Google Play.
