Community Role

Seattle has strong communities and strong communities fare better during disasters. They can suffer less damage because community institutions are well maintained; they respond better because people know and trust each other; and they recover more quickly because of their healthy social networks. We are encouraging groups at the community level to get organized and prepared to act when disaster strikes.

During a large disaster, City government responders will be overwhelmed - there are simply too many people in need of very limited services. In response, the City of Seattle created programs to help get people ready to be on their own while the City goverment re-groups and responds. Self preparedness programs have been very successful and we know that people want to do more still. Once families are able to take care of their immediate needs, they are able to reach out to neighbors. When neighborhoods are organized, they can reach out to other neighborhoods. This allows the best possible use of scarce resources to see to the needs of the most vulnerable among them.

Building Blocks

Communities, or neighborhood districts, are much bigger than the block you live on so it's hard to know each other and have a comprehensive appreciation for the resources available throughout the district (all the hardware stores, pharmacies, retired nurses in the area, and HAM radio operators.) Even without a plan, it is surprising how quickly communities with healthy institutions and effective leaders can organize. After a disaster, we need to make sure our basic human needs are met: food, water, shelter, health and safety. All of these are in short supply after a disaster. Healthy communities will be able to quickly identify these resources and agree on how they should be distributed. They will be able to coordinate with the official response as it becomes available.

Communities, such as neighborhood districts, can make a huge difference in protecting people from the effects of disasters. The most important element is developing strong institutions, networks and leadership. Strong communities can extend their effectiveness by actively planning for disaster. Of course, some communities face more challenges: social, economic or political, but there are always institutions, networks and leaders. In these communities disaster planning can build community.

The Office of Emergency Management is committed to helping communities create their own disaster plans. Community plans are typically done at the District Level. They are owned and brought to life by the community itself. The Office of Emergency Management is pleased to assist by bringing some technical expertise, but the hard work needs to come out of the community. That's where the expertise resides and where the plan will be of most value. Call our Office of Emergency Management (206-233-5076) or email us for help in organizing your Neighborhood District.