The Fearrington Cares Education Committee presented two educational sessions this past February and March which focused on emergency preparedness. Those sessions, led by resident Steve Krasnow, addressed both personal and community responses to emergencies that Village residents could experience.
Following those sessions, a work group met to discuss the potential role of Fearrington Cares in helping residents to be better prepared for emergencies. It was decided at the first meeting that it was important to gauge residents’ knowledge of existing resources and their desire for an emergency kit. A questionnaire was developed to address those two topics, and residents were canvassed in person at various events during the months of April, May, and June.
Of the 52 residents who responded, nearly nine out of ten do not have a written emergency plan for communication that is reviewed annually for relevance or changes. Almost the same number do not have a “grab & go bag” with important medical and close contacts information and necessary items for evacuation or emergency hospitalization. Only a little more than half of the respondents have read the Emergency Preparedness Guide in the FHA Directory.
At its June meeting, the group identified these useful resources for emergency kits to help residents be more aware and prepared for emergencies:
• www.ready.gov/kit
• www.fema.gov/blog/10-items-include-your-emergency-kit
• www.redcross.org/store/preparedness
• www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html
The Education Committee will share its results with the FHA Health, Safety, and Security Committee. Questions? Contact Terry Lucas.