Building Resilient Communities

Jacqueline YannacciCommunity Preparedness and Resilience Services

July 18, 2012

What makes a disaster resilient community?

Whole Community View Takes into consideration community conditions Spotlight on:

Community engagement and empowerment Making connections and building trust Facilitating collective action around disaster cycle as

well as other community conditions Build on strengths

2

Red Cross Role Traditional offerings

Preparedness Education and Mitigation Partnerships Health and Safety

New Area – focus on community level preparedness and resilience

3

Community Resilience Strategy Learn how to identify

hazards, risks, and assets Plan initiatives that leverage

resources from the participants and broader community

Utilize Red Cross preparedness tools and best practices in field

Monitor progress and reassess goals

EngagingNetworks

3. MonitoringProgress

1. Understandingthe Community

4. ReassessingGoals and Movingforward with the

Network

2. CraftingSolutions andTaking Action

4

Case Study: Homestead, FLDaycares unprepared, motivated to improve, interest from organization that supports them Network includes local EMA, utility company

Surveyed daycares on current preparedness levels Conducted small exercise Conducted a panel of experts in key areas Setting up sister sites

Adding new stakeholders as they go

Case Study: Biloxi, MS Asian American community wanting to connect

and build trust with larger community Co-sponsored diversity training Media coverage – sparked interest from Deputy

Fire Chief New network sponsored by fire department

focused on Hispanic and Asian American communities

6

Successes and Challenges Does not take a lot of financial resources,

does take staff time Let the community drive focus and action,

balance with guidance Flexible application of strategy Less dependent on government

7

Early Pilot Results

Six months 145 organizations 82% made new connections 93% stronger relationships 100% “I can impact preparedness”

Questions/Comments?

Jacqueline.yannacci@redcross.org