FICRA BUILDING TRUST
EMERGENCY PREPARATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
February 24, 2015
Attendees: Jim Braden, co-chair, Hal Goodell, Abby Schofield, Bob Bowser, Doug Nelson, Ken Rowley,Bill Spencer, Gail & George Jones, Annie Rosello, Deb & Keith Flewelling, Nick Genon, Joan Broughton, John Ketcham. Guest: Christine Badger of West Pierce Fire & Rescue. Ray Kittelberger, co-chair, excused.
Meeting opened by Jim Braden at 6:10 PM. Introductions around.
Jim Braden gave overview of status of the Emergency Preparation effort stressing the opening statement on the Emergency Preparation Plan paper (attached): “Family self-sufficiency is the cornerstone of managing a major emergency and the development of the Emergency Response system will help our individual families prepare.”
Also, in practical terms, Fox Island will not get immediate attention in a large scale emergency. High population centers and easily accessible locations are logical first receivers. This fact stresses the importance of Fox Island being as self-sufficient as we can make it.
Following the agenda:
Neighborhood Groups- Bob Bowser
Bob reviewed his statement of purpose for the neighborhood committee (attached). We have 31neighborhood (block) captains signed up already. Will need well over 100 to cover the island. (Two more signed up this evening.) Attending neighborhood captains asked what is expected of them. Bob stressed that we will have the basics duties in a form for all to use but each neighborhood and captain will decide to what degree they want training, etc.
Christine Badger of the West Pierce Fire & Rescue advised that neighborhood captains should host a meeting in their home for neighbors to learn about emergency preparation and get the neighborhood organized.
Good suggestions came up regarding posting on our web site and facebook that neighborhood captains are being established and folks should expect an invite to learn about this effort.
Christine passed out a brochure that outlines neighborhood and captain responsibilities – an excellent document that Christine will supply to us to use if we decide to use it. It appears to fit into our needs very well. Jim will acquire a dozen or so for us to study and decide on.
Christine reported on the Washington State “Map Your Neighborhood” program that we need to investigate further (inventorying chain saws, tools, RVs for shelter, trailers for transport, etc.).
Medical-Doug Nelson
Doug advised on Dr. Rob Lane’s not being available to work full-time on our effort, but Rob has published a very helpful paper (attached) sharing what he has learned so far. Rob cited the County Health Department as a possible source for medical supplies that we might be able to stock on Fox Island. We’re struggling to tie down the medical supplies source and stocking plan. The Medical Reserve Corps is another possible source on this issue.
Dr. Whittal & wife (both physicians) are due back from their extended trip and (hopefully) will become available to lead the work on the medical issues.
Jim will pursue the Medical Reserve Corps to learn what we can take advantage of.
Communication-Hal Goodell
Working on contacting HAM operators that responded to the survey. Plan to have a meeting with that group in April. Nichols Community Center (NCC) is still the choice for the communications center. To do testing for reach on Fox Island from an antenna on the NCC. Working on battery backup batteries from COSTCO. They discard batteries after a certain date though they have a good life remaining.
Christine mentioned that Pierce County does a monthly test of communication that we need to get hooked up with. Abby to advise on the timing of this.
Training-Abby Schofield
Abby will post dates available for training. We can get training classes here on Fox Island if we have enough folks sign up. More to come on that.
Red Cross/Churches
The NCC and the churches have received the OK from the Red Cross to be shelter sites. Jim to work with Christine to complete the Red Cross applications for material storage at those sites (beds, bedding, minor medical supplies).
Yacht Club (FIYC)
Bob and Doug working with FIYC on several issues to accommodate transport of people to and from the island in an emergency.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:40 PM. Next meeting date: to be determined
Respectfully Submitted by Jim Braden, co-chair