--- 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