diff --git a/_posts/2021-04-23-Gunther-Fire-Community-Response-Review.md b/_posts/2021-04-23-Gunther-Fire-Community-Response-Review.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..16bfd9c --- /dev/null +++ b/_posts/2021-04-23-Gunther-Fire-Community-Response-Review.md @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +--- +published: true +--- +## Facts on the Ground + +* EMS/Fire Response and hospital response was extremely effective +* On the ground response for emergency was lacking a plan +* What ended up happening was swift and significant, but disorganized and no clear chain of command/response was organized + * Everyone was asking “who is responsible?” but no one seemed to know +* Recognition that this is a rare event for Choteau/Teton County - 13 residences being affected by disaster at once is unlikely to happen again in any of our lifetimes, but there are a few circumstances where it *could* happen again + * Different circumstances - ice storm, disaster at other apartment complexes/hotels, car accidents could be future plans + +## Actual Responses + +* Control of information and services + * People started posting in the COYSI group and on social media immediately + * Not all info was helpful - speculation on cause + * Affected neighbors posting asking for help + * Pinned post from my “authoritative” politician page pinned was useful + * Governmental - city/county source rather an individual politician, but we need to potential have a clear chain of communication and access control as need for specific emergency events +* emergency website domain recommended for a single source. Can be redirected to a FB group or FB page or page on another website, doesn’t have to be a fully fledged website +* Opportunity Bank account was helpful, but limited - no online access for people out of town + * GoFundMe was helpful, but need to make sure language is clearer on how funds will get to donation account + * Choteau Ministerial Assoc. funneled money from GFM to Opp. Bank + * 1st Bank of Montana left out, how to include, do we need to include? + * Have multiple people on the fundraising accounts - bus proof & accountability/transparency +* List of resources *felt* overwhelming when the residents needed immediate needs handled. + * follow up from an agency will likely be important + * may need to push them to access resource rather than let them find their way +* CMA stepped up and helped planning meals for residents for 5-6 nights +* Furniture/household item offers were immediate + * Space too limited at church + * Carson Crary stepped in as Eagle Project to organize furniture drive, items needed to be offloaded held at Scout Hall + * not a permanent solution for future planning + * Household items deferred to local thrift shops +* excessive amount of in-kind donations + * garage sale planned, free will basis, funds raised go to opportunity bank fund + +## Deficits + +* No plan +* Housing is a major issue +* Communications +* Lack of plan \ No newline at end of file