One of several community initiatives that Camano Hills has adopted is a program called Neighborhood Ready. This program provides our Community with preparedness awareness, training and guidance to lessen the impact of a major emergency/disaster.
This program is focused on preparedness and mitigation to lessen the impact of any local emergency or region wide disaster. For anything but a major disaster, the correct first action should be to call 911.
This program has helped our neighborhood establish a plan of action in the event of a major emergency/disaster. It also has provided tools for managing lesser events such as severe wind and weather. Having a plan saves time and can save lives!
”Neighborhood Ready” encompasses the following 5 steps:
- Establish a ‘Resource’ list (Preparedness Inventory) of skills, equipment and those with special needs/challenges within our community
- Create Areas within our community (typically with 15 to 20 houses per area) with an Area Lead and Back-up
- Establish a neighborhood gathering site and/or care center
- Instruct the community on the appropriate steps to follow in the seconds and minutes immediately following a major event
- Establish a communications structure within Camano Hills as well as ways to get critical information out to the authorities when power and cell service is unavailable
While the chances of a major disaster striking in our lifetime is minimal, the risk does exist. Under such circumstances, our local resources of Camano Island Fire and Rescue and the Island County Sheriffs will be overwhelmed. Their response times may take hours or days. Outside assistance can take much longer. As neighbors, we will be the first responders for one another at a time when seconds and minutes are critical.
As a resident in Camano Hills you are naturally included in this community wide program.
If you are interested in being involved in this program, please contact Bill Swander, a resident of our community and a board member of the Camano Preparedness Group.