PrepareNH

A Program of Partnerships for Disaster Preparedness

Summary

The program, PrepareNH, addresses ways that the American Red Cross in New Hampshire can mobilize communities to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. The goal is to partner with government, businesses and communities in collaborative efforts to lessen the impacts of disasters on our families, communities and workplaces.

Disaster planning and preparedness is everyone's responsibility, from family members to business leaders to government officials. In times of crisis, people want assurance that they and their families are safe, and want to help in the recovery of their workplaces and communities. However, people need essential information and skills to be able to respond effectively and feel confident that they are able to protect their families and assist their communities and businesses.

The New Hampshire Red Cross chapters have had a long and well established role in leadership during disaster responses. We will continue that essential responsibility for the State, while also developing new directions through PrepareNH in public education, community awareness and agency partnerships for advanced planning and preparation.

Goals

• Educate families, schools and business on adequate and practiced plans for disaster preparation and management;
• Increase numbers and distribution of volunteers trained in First Aid, CPR, and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) who can assist in major disasters and local emergencies;
• Develop additional Disaster Action Teams (DATs) throughout the State with specially trained Red Cross volunteers who are ready to respond to disasters in their community;
• Work with New Hampshire businesses on plans for disaster preparedness and response at the workplace, and to assure that employees have adequate training;
• Raise awareness among young people about disaster preparedness to help them deal with the uncertainty of future disasters;
• Identify and collaborate with diverse groups in our communities who have responsibilities for disaster preparedness and planning;
• Raise issues with the public regarding advance planning and preparedness and make the accomplishments of PrepareNH known throughout New Hampshire communities.

Measurable Outcomes

Establish measurable outcomes such as numbers of:

• employees and general public newly trained in First Aid, CPR and AED
• businesses with effective and tested disaster plans in place
• communities with additional DAT teams
• school programs conducted
• media submissions including press releases, web site information, advertising, posters, public meetings, training opportunities, and articles submitted to area newspapers and magazines
• people attending public meetings
• phone inquiries regarding the initiative

Other assessments of the New Hampshire public are being considered as ways to determine knowledge and concerns in disaster planning and awareness.

Potential Partners

• American Red Cross Chapters in New Hampshire
• United Way organizations throughout the state
• NH State Government, especially agencies concerned with emergency management
• Chambers of Commerce
• NH businesses
• NH schools and colleges
• Non governmental organizations involved in disaster management

Contact for PrepareNH
Granite Chapter
2 Maitland Street
Concord, NH 03301
Tel: 603-225-6697 or 1-800-464-6692

Your Location: Home : PrepareNH