Nov 2016 Seminar - How Can My Business Fit In?

Thank you to everyone who participated in our private-public partnering seminar and discussion on November 10, 2016. A special thanks goes out to our excellent speakers :

Kathy VanderMolen, Walmart Transportation Services, Menomonie

Lisa Olson-McDonald, WI Emergency Mgmt Regional Director

Jon Schultz, Eau Claire Fire Department

Jenny Legaspi, American Red Cross

Terri Leece, The Salvation Army

Kelli Engen, Eau Claire Public Health & County Medical Reserve Corp

William Kraft, Eau Claire County ARES/RACES

Brian Kaczmarski, Western WI Public Health Readiness Consortium

Below you will find the agenda and some of the materials from the workshop. A few common themes from the day include:

1) Businesses and non-profit organizations are crucial to community recovery following a disaster. Your resources will be needed by residents, other businesses, and the public sector.

2) All disasters start and end locally. Wisconsin is a "home rule state", which means that your local city, village, or town has ultimate responsibility to prepare, respond, and recover, typically with assistance from your County Emergency Management office. Additional support from the State can be requested if needed.

3) If you have potential resources that may be needed, contact your local unit of government, County Emergency Management office, and/or the Red Cross and Salvation Army. But don't wait until disaster strikes! Make these contacts now.

4) A disaster, such as flooding, can be devastating for a community, but may not impact a large enough area to warrant a federal disaster declaration. This can leave impacted communities, businesses, and residents with fewer financial resources for recovery. Your support can make a huge difference during such events. But, following the disaster, don't send volunteers, goods, or other items until they are requested.

5) Businesses should encourage employees to be prepared at home and may want to consider developing policies that will allow employee's to volunteer time should disaster strike. Ongoing volunteer opportunities are available, such as the Eau Claire County Medical Reserve Corps (which is NOT just about medical care), Red Cross Disaster Action Teams, Salvation Army, and local volunteer fire and EMS departments.

Bob Kaczamarski's PowerPoint presentation available below has a number of additional recommendations for local organizations to consider. And be sure to check out DRCV's business continuity guide and template at our Resource webpage when developing a plan for your own business or organization. Thank you again!