Printable Version
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods - CERN Launches Neighbor-to-Neighbor Pilot Project
| One of CERN's goals has been to spread the word about the importance of neighbors helping neighbors and families being prepared to "shelter in place." |
Andrea Ingram is feeling much better about her neighborhood's ability to cope with an emergency these days. In a pilot project for CERN (Community Emergency Response Network), she and her neighbors have had several meetings to talk about what they'd do in a natural or manmade disaster. And their preparations are now well underway. They've distributed family emergency cards and other literature, hosted two speakers, and three neighbors have completed Community Emergency Response Training.
"In the event of an emergency or disaster, emergency personnel will be on the front lines," Ingram says. "They won't be responding to every neighborhood in the county. People need to be prepared to be self-reliant for several days. Neighbors need to be ready to help each other."
In the past year, one of CERN's goals has been to spread the word about the importance of neighbors helping neighbors and families being prepared to "shelter in place."
In addition to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor pilot project funded by The Horizon Foundation, we ran several striking ads calling people's attention to the importance of having such simple things as a working flashlight and a battery-powered radio - both essential to survival in an emergency.
We also developed a Safe Schools campaign in partnership with the county school system, launched a CERN website (www.cern.us) and created attractive laminated cards listing everything that should be included in a family emergency kit. The cards are available at the checkout desks at Howard County libraries.
CERN's projects in 2004 were a departure from previous years'. With first responders, volunteers and county agencies trained to deal with a disaster, we began reaching out to the community. That outreach continues, and plans are underway for an Emergency Preparedness Week this fall.
In Andrea Ingram's neighborhood, about 35 families are participating in the preparedness activities. They've put together a directory that lists contact information for each home and includes neighbors' special skills and special needs.
"Personally, I think this is a great program," she says. "I feel much better about my own neighborhood."
The Horizon Foundation launched CERN in partnership with the county government after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It's been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as a Smart Practice and model for other communities nationwide. Neighborhoods CERN Launches Neighbor-To-Neighbor Pilot Project