What We Need to Do to Survive Covid-19

I just had a conversation with someone I know (and trust) who works for FEMA. They explained who we need to be coordinating with in times of emergency such as this Covid-19 pandemic. I am writing this blog to get the basic facts out there. As I learn more, I will share that.

Firstoff, stop expecting the Federal government to help. That is not how the system works. You have a Local Emergency Manager (LEM). Here, maybe the LEM coordinates for Portland or Multnomah County. It is the LEM’s responsibility to set up an Incident Command System for emergencies and come up with an Emergency Plan. The LEM is responsible for writing grants to get money to implement their emergency plan. FEMA provides the money and the training for LEMs. The training takes place at either the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Alabama or the Emergency Management Institute in Maryland.

Instead of waiting for a Federal response, we need to find out who our Local Emergency Managers are. We need to approach their offices and ask what their Emergency Plan is.

FEMA’s mission statement is “Helping people before, during, and after a disaster.” That help, however, is not going to take the form of “FEMA trucks” showing up in your city. That is not how our government works. Rather, your LEM is responsible for coming up with a plan and requesting the money and training from FEMA to implement that plan.

Again, I will write more as I find out more. Just wanted to get this basic information out there.

Be safe, be happy, and for the love of God wash your fucking hands.

Izk

#Covid19 #CoronavirusPandemic #Emergency #FEMA