Join emergency drill on May 7; volunteers needed

YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN

Leaders, problem-solvers, creative thinkers and service-minded residents needed for exercise

The Boots On The Ground’s first practice session of the year will be held May 7 from 10 a.m.-noon in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. Volunteers are invited to participate in a tabletop exercise that will prepare them to respond quickly and efficiently to a variety of potential disasters.

Boots On The Ground is Leisure World’s resident-led community disaster response plan. It was conceived and implemented by residents who understand and take seriously the fact that, when disaster strikes in Leisure World, “You’re On Your Own.” The group establishes a command-control structure and parcels out responsibilities among volunteers to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response during a time that might otherwise be marked by confusion and disarray.

For it to succeed, it requires residents of all abilities to get involved and to practice responding before disaster strikes.

GRF Safety Manager Eloy Gomez and Emergency Information Council Secretary Marty Williams will introduce residents to the Incident Command System, a universal, on-scene, allhazard management concept that allows volunteers to organize themselves during small and large-scale disasters.

The hierarchical structure features four main sections: 1. Incident Command: Sets objectives, strategies and priorities related to the disaster. They provide high-level planning and goals for the response effort and lead the following four sections.

2. Operations: These volunteers help people evacuate and conduct search and rescue. They are the do-ers.

3. Planning: These volunteers help organize the effort to get things back to normal. They evaluate the situation and collect information. For example, they might lead the effort to clear streets and ensure that it’s safe for people to return to their homes.

4. Logistics: These volunteers help organize and acquire resources, such as food, water and rescue equipment, and help distribute resources where they’re needed. These are the go-getters.

5. Finance: In a traditional Incident Command System, these volunteers would track expenses related to the incident and procure supplies. For Boots On The Ground, these volunteers serve as time and record keepers.

Volunteers are needed in all areas

In addition to general volunteers, people with specialized skills are needed to provide essential disaster response services. Current and former doctors, nurses and first responders

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will be needed to treat injuries. Drone operators can assist with surveying damage from disasters and identifying survivors from a birds-eye view. Clergy will be needed to provide comfort and prayers. Animal lovers will be needed to care for lost or abandoned pets. HAM radio operators will be needed to communicate status updates and receive news from outside the walls.

Together, volunteers can ensure the safety and wellbeing of this community and its residents. Remember: You’re On Your Own—but preparing for the worst case scenario ensures that no one is left behind.

Volunteers can choose to participate in this tabletop exercise as part of a team from the 10 Leisure World clubs that are critical to an attainable plan. If there is an insufficient number of volunteer RSVPs by May 4, the drill will have to be called off.

For more information about the drill, call GRF Safety Manager Eloy Gomez at 562-431-6586, ext. 2356. To RSVP, email Marty17LWBD@ gmail.com by Monday, May 4.

You’re On Your Own

Several years ago, the Golden Rain Foundation had an emergency preparedness plan for the entire community.

It was discontinued on attorney recommendations that called for every shareholder to be responsible for his or her own emergency preparedness. That decision means each shareholder must plan 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 commission, while emergency personnel is short-handed.

To stay safe during a major emergency, it’s important for every resident to take personal responsibility and plan ahead. Begin by assembling a basic emergency kit with enough food, water and medications to last at least seven days. Include flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, copies of important documents, and small denominations of cash in case ATMs are down.

For more information on emergency preparedness and to learn about the various safety groups operating in Leisure World, visit www.lwsb.com/emergency-information.

Emergency Information Council leaders Nick Massetti, treasurer (l-r); Loni Gardette, vice president; Jackie Dunagan, president and Marty Williams, secretary