4 results
The goal of this project is to protect lives, to minimize physical/psychological trauma from disasters, and to reduce peak demand on EMDs/First Responders by developing new capacity for IRAA emergency resilience by building on and extending previous work achieved by the Western Mass IRAA Preparedness Project to include faith-based and cultural centers. This project advances the mission of the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives: “To build resilient communities among faith-based and community organizations.” WRHSAC has developed this project through several phases. More recent phases of the project have focused on utilizing faith based organizations to build a Rest Center network in Western Massachusetts. Click here for more information.
Reference: Evacuation, Fatih Communities, Indivduals Requiring Additional Assistance, Shelter Planning
Building on previous WRHSAC IRAA projects and following up on feedback from multiple exercises conducted in the region, the WRHSAC Individuals Requiring Additional Assistance (IRAA) Standard Operating Guidance (SOG) and Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) Annex project was established. The working group for the project is compiled of responders from throughout the region and state agency partners including DPH, MEMA and the State Office of Disability. FFY2010 funded.
This project established checklist style Functional Needs SOGs for municipal Emergency Management Directors (EMD), shelter managers and other first responders. It developed a Functional Needs CEMP Annex template for municipalities to use as a guide. Learn more here. The project was completed in 2013.
Reference: Functional Needs, Indivduals Requiring Additional Assistance, Shelter Planning
Emergency preparedness for Individuals Requiring Additional Assistance (IRAA) Functional Needs is an area of ongoing focus for the WRHSAC. Accomplishments of the project to date include: “Let’s Make A Plan” emergency preparedness education for IRAA individuals and support agencies; continuing operation planning for CBOs that support IRAA; first responder awareness training; IRAA sheltering considerations and emergency response strategies specific to the deaf and hard of hearing. To learn more and access documents visit the project website page.
Reference: Functional Needs, Indivduals Requiring Additional Assistance, personal emergency preparedness, Shelter Planning
This project focused on improving all-hazards emergency preparedness and response capacity for IRAA students, faculty and staff in public elementary and secondary schools. Tools established in early IRAA projects were utilized as a basis for this school readiness program. The project coordinated will be with parent organizations, school faculty and staff, first responders and students. Individual emergency preparedness plan tools for students, parents/guardians, and teacher where developed in the project. These are available for anyone to use. To learn more visit the project page.
Reference: Functional Needs, Indivduals Requiring Additional Assistance, Schools
