| OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2019 | 5
BACKGROUND: Several years ago, this two-sided sign was
introduced by OHCC CERT as part of its program "Help Us To Help
You," which provides residents with a method for communicating
their needs to CERT members conducting a Rapid Needs Assessment
(RNA) during the initial stages of a disaster.
The information gathered during this assessment is critical
for CERT and, as appropriate, the city's Emergency Operations
Center (EOC), to develop Incident Action Plans (IAP) including the
deployment of personnel and equipment.
HOW TO USE THIS SIGN: As soon as possible after a disaster
strikes, simply display the sign visible from the street (in a front
window, tied to a bush, hanging on a gate or taped to the garage
door), to be seen by CERTs and other emergency responders. Every
home that shows the green "OK" side of the sign is one less that needs
to be checked any further. This is very helpful to reduce the overall
workload and, more importantly, allow responders to concentrate on
those actually needing assistance and displaying the red "HELP" side.
Although efforts would continue to check homes not displaying
a sign, the timely availability of information obtained from direct
resident communications will significantly improve the accuracy of
incident planning, assignments of personnel, and reporting to the
EOC.
I DON'T HAVE THIS SIGN: The OHCC HOA originally delivered
a sign to every home in our community but, over time, some have
been misplaced, destroyed, or not left in the home upon sale to a new
owner. In these cases, you may pick up a new sign at the HOA office
(there may be a small charge).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT CERT OR THE "HELP US
TO HELP YOU" PROGRAM: If
you have any questions about OHCC
CERT or any of our programs, please
email: John, Administration Section
Chief (ohcccert@gmail.com)
DO YOU HAVE THIS SIGN IN YOUR HOME?
