Conducting a hazard assessment

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Abstract

In northern New Hampshire, AmeriCorps*NCCC members assisted the American Red Cross in conducting a hazard assessment. This project demonstrates how AmeriCorps*NCCC members can help communities and citizens prepare for and thus minimize the impact of potential disasters and was highlighted in the National Service News, Issue no. 153, March 4, 2002, published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

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Issue

National and community volunteer organizations and agencies are seeking ways to utilize members and volunteers in homeland security efforts.

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Action

According to the article in the National Service News and the AmeriCorps*NCCC Program Director, 12 AmeriCorps*NCCC members assisted the Greater White Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross in Laconia, New Hampshire, in conducting a hazard assessment throughout the northern half of New Hampshire. These members:

  • Helped conduct community emergency response classes, which included training in CPR and general first aid.
  • Inventoried emergency response assets in towns across the region. This was perhaps the most important part of the program because this type of preparedness allows communities to secure a disaster plan, which enables individuals to know where to go in times of need, i.e., which resources provide shelter, food, water, and other basic necessities.
  • Created 376 new vendor agreements between facilities and organizations to participate in disaster response, providing shelter, food, water, and clothing.
  • Conducted 89 mass care shelter surveys, compiling lists of available resources in case of a disaster.
  • Developed and disseminated disaster preparedness information to the public. These were in the form of brochures and fliers with information provided by the Red Cross and some layout and design furnished by the AmeriCorps*NCCC members.
  • Administered 69 community surveys, providing the Red Cross with updated information about a region that has experienced dramatic growth. From the surveys, members determined which community residents would require additional assistance in the event of an emergency. A list — containing the address, phone number, and emergency contact information of each resident with special needs — was compiled for use by emergency response agencies.

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Context

Since 1995 AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps has responded to every major disaster in the United States. In recent years this support has expanded to include disaster prevention and recovery. This role increased significantly after the attacks of September 11 when President Bush asked AmeriCorps*NCCC to commit 50 percent of project resources to homeland security.

The American Red Cross sponsors many of these efforts to help communities become better prepared to respond to emergencies, especially to help communities decide in advance where to go in the event of a disaster and which organizations and agencies can provide appropriate resources.

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Outcome

Because of the efforts of AmeriCorps*NCCC members, the Red Cross is now better prepared to assist the people of central and northern New Hampshire in times of emergency.

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Evidence

In all, AmeriCorps*NCCC members completed 65 hazard assessments in northern and central New Hampshire.

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Posted On

December 9, 2002

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For More Information

LaQuine Roberson
AmeriCorps*NCCC Northeast Region
Project Director
Phone: (410) 642-2411, ext.

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Source Documents

Related Practices

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Related sites

AmeriCorps

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