by Bob Buddemeier

Bob Berger, the new Chair of the Residents’ Preparedness Group (RPG), has some definite ideas about directions for the organization.  After a long period of enforced inaction, he wants to focus on resident preparedness for emergencies.  RPG’s mission is to work with RVM and the residents to help ensure effective preparation and response for the emergencies and disasters that we know will occur.

There are a number of initiatives in progress, including development and testing of the RPG radio network, awareness activities, promotion of coordinator-resident interactions, a resident database, and a new preparedness information website, featured in another article in this issue.  Bob’s immediate personal priority is getting acquainted.  “I want to have a series of meetings with coordinators to get to know the people, their situations, and their issues,” he said.

One of Bob’s principle interests is promoting preparedness for the power outages that are likely to accompany most of the natural hazard events, and occur for other reasons as well.  Being prepared for this provides a head start on other aspects of preparedness.

Another area where he feels progress can be made is opening up opportunities for RPG volunteers in roles other than coordinators.  People with backgrounds in information management, education, outreach, and community organization could make major contributions to the effort.

One area for building a base of potential contributors is provision of first aid or medical assistance in an emergency.  RPG coordinators have a primary responsibility for communication and information transfer between residents and RVM.  They are not expected or required to be first aid providers – but all of us will feel better if we know there are first aid providers in the towers and the cottage neighborhoods. Plans are being developed to offer training and information to interested residents, and initial responses have demonstrated considerable interest among residents.

One of the developing awareness and education activities is a semiannual checkup and reminder event.  In the fall the Great Shakeout earthquake awareness event (an international preparation exercise) offers an ideal opportunity in late October.  Six months later, late April comes at the change of seasons – and of hazards.  Goodbye winter storms, hello wildfires – time to check supplies, equipment and organization.

This Spring, in addition to preparedness information and general reminders, a plan is being developed for Neighborhood and Floor Coordinators to ensure that residents are familiar with RVM’s emergency notification system, including RPG’s role in communication and response.

“This is a uniquely important organization and opportunity,” Bob Berger said, “and we need resident involvement to make and keep it truly effective.”  Bob can be contacted at x6579.