Hancock County COAD

Following any emergency in Hancock County, the availability of emotional and spiritual support for impacted families is critical. To provide those services for an emergency of even moderate scope will require a large number of volunteers in addition to the available professionals. This is a chance for God’s people to serve their neighbors in a meaningful way.

The regular June meeting of the Hancock County Emergency Management Volunteers will be June 4^th at 7:00 PM.

LOCATION _ Vernon Township Training Center 602 Vitality Drive, Fortville

Presenters will give an overview of the Hancock County Health Departments Family Reunification Plan and the resources available through Hancock Health (Critical Incident Stress Management team and Mobile Reponse Team) to provide emotional & spiritual care at this location (when activated) as well as the other disaster response locations such as shelters and family assistance centers.

Do you know which of your neighbors might need extra help when an emergency occurs? Who might you turn to if you need help? Come to the May meeting to hear about the advantages of setting up a Neighborhood Response Team. Details here

“ALL DISASTERS ARE LOCAL”

When the F5 tornado hit Joplin, Missouri some years back, the response was remarkable for its efficiency and success in minimizing the impact on the local citizens. Part of that success lies in the initial push by the local emergency leaders. They worked through the churches and schools to take advantage of existing calling trees. They asked those organizations to reach as many of their constituents as possible and ask two questions: 1) Do you need help? And 2) Can you help? Once the response were gathered the emergency management leadership matched people with resources to those needing help.

Hancock County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) would like to establish a similar approach, proactively taking that resource inventory/needs tracking to the neighborhood level. Our vision is to establish Neighborhood Response Teams, consisting of 3-4 people, to reach out to their neighbors and ask those same questions: Will you need help/Will you help. The COAD will offer those teams support in the form of survey forms, educational preparedness materials to hand out and mobile communications.

“See something, say something”

“Head on a swivel”

Situational Awareness

Phrases and terms we wish we didn’t have to know and observe. But the reality is: our world has changed. This isn’t tin-foil hat conspiracy, scare tactics or  being over-dramatic. Multiple incidents have occurred in the heartland of America in the past few weeks.

Knowing what to do (and what NOT to do) saves lives.

Come to the April 2^nd Emergency Volunteers meeting and learn simple, common sense tactics to protect yourself and your family. Starts at 7:00 PM at Hancock County EOC 640 South Franklin, Greenfield.

1. Discover activities to prepare for a terrorist incident at home, at work, at church and in the community. a) Have a Family/Work Emergency Plan, including a Communication Plan. b) Take a first-aid or active bystander course. c) Have an emergency supply kit ready.

2.Learn to respond appropriately. a) Run, hide, fight b) What can be done until help arrives c) How to Respond When Law Enforcement Arrives

3. Recovery a) Emotional & spiritual care b) Helping kids cope.