Having seen posts on Social Media, and reports of the damage from other sources related to a high wind event in Clarkston last week, tonight we will briefly discuss the action phase of an emergency preparedness plan.
When an emergency occurs, ward, stake and civil emergency managers:
Account for persons living in the affected areas,
Assess the needs of the affected persons,
Respond by assisting with basic provisions and services—such as food, medical aid, temporary shelter, sanitation, and clothing. The response phase can also include coordinating cleanup of affected areas, and lastly,
Report the effects of the emergency and the actions taken to local civil authorities and to Stake leaders.
As we are familiar with in our communities, the residents of Clarkston reached out to each other to accomplish the account, assess and response steps outlined above.
When it comes to the reporting step, in some circumstances (such as the recent event in Clarkston), a more informal report of the event will suffice, relaying the information requested by the report form in another manner, such as telephone and text message communications.
This incident serves as a good reminder to become familiar with the Church Disaster Report Form, and the Cache County Emergency Management Report Form, in case these are more appropriate after a future event.
For reference, the Church Disaster report can be reviewed here.