SW Neighborhoods, Inc.

Due to the icy weather forecast and our desire to have a high turn-out, this meeting is postponed to February 8th.

This is the monthly meeting of the SW Emergency Preparedness Group. We are a group of citizens working to create disaster-resistant communities by raising public awareness, working with our civic leaders, and educating citizens how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. We invite anyone with an interest to attend. Our focus is SW Portland, however disasters know no boundaries and we believe in working with neighboring groups and individuals.

Due to a power outage, last month’s meeting/agenda was postponed to this month. (Maybe February will be the charm.)

1. Intros
2. Additions to minutes/notes
3. Thoughts for discussion:
   • Pre-disaster public education about the NETs. (I'm doing this through my neighborhood watch group starting the middle of January.)
   • Large, clear signage during staging area operations. Careful wording will reduce the chance of confusion or false expectations.
   • An information clearinghouse for people to let family and friends know their status (paper, pens, tape, etc.).
   • Staging Areas:
     • what makes a good one.
     • Can one be enough?
     • Should we look for alternative sites for food, shelter, etc?

 

4. STAGING AREA DISCUSSION

   It is hoped we come away with a clearer understanding of what a staging area is and how it needs to function. Bring a clear head, paper, pens and lots of ideas.

   WANTED: Volunteer who can document what is discussed on the wall sheets.

   BACKGROUND: Staging areas have become the new standard for NET's. POEM is de-emphasizing the notion of neighborhood teams in favor of the concept of Staging Areas. Teams are less defined by neigbhorhoods and more by the logical proximity to staging areas and geography. (See the NET Redistricting page for an in-depth discussion.)

   OUTCOMES: It is hoped that we will all contribute our understanding of :

   1. what a staging area is
      • first aid?
      • food?
      • shelter?
      • transporation hub?
   2. the characteristics of a good staging area
      • equipment
      • people resources
      • logistics
      • access to helicopters/ambulances/transporation
      • good access to people
      • water
   3. what it takes to set one up
      • has anyone ever set-up one?
      • what are the resources?

The meeting will start at 7pm sharp.

Parking: Park in the back lot (off of 31st Ave) and enter through the Senior Center door (SE corner of the building).

Tri-Met: Use “Multnomah Art Center” as your destination in Tri-Met’s Trip Planner