Do you have this 2-sided plaquette to place in front of your home after a natural disaster? It will help SERT responders know if you need assistance. If you need a plaquette contact the HOA office or the Clubhouse front desk.
HELP US TO HELP YOU
When a major emergency or disaster strikes, normal communications and emergency services may not be available for several days. During such a time, OHCC residents must rely on each other for help in order to meet immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.
For this reason, the OHCC Safety & Emergency Response Team (SERT) has implemented a program that allows residents to “HELP US TO HELP YOU” by improving the ability of emergency responders to locate those who need assistance and for SERT to communicate our status and needs to the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
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During the initial stages of a disaster, SERT members and volunteers must conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) of injuries and property damage.
This information is essential for developing an Incident Action Plan, deploying response teams, and reporting OHCC status and needs to the city’s Emergency Operations Center. However, with limited personnel to check 1,632 homes plus several miles of roads and utilities, we need the help of all residents.
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HOW CAN I HELP?
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As soon as possible after a disaster strikes, simply display the accompanying “RESIDENT STATUS SIGN” visible from the street (in a front widow, tied to a bush, hanging on a gate, or taped to the garage door), to be seen by SERT members and other emergency responders.
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Every home that shows the green “OK” side of the sign is one less that needs to be checked any further. This is very helpful to reduce the overall workload and, more importantly, allow first responders to identify those actually needing assistance and displaying the red “HELP” side.
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Although efforts would continue to check homes not displaying a sign, the timely availability of information obtained from direct resident communications will significantly improve the accuracy of incident planning, assignments of personnel, and reporting to the EOC.
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These signs are NOT to be used for an individual, day-to-day emergency. Call 911 for a personal emergency.
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WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY SIGN?
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We suggest taping the sign on your refrigerator or placing it in another easily accessible and visible location. If you sell, lease or rent your home, please leave this sign and information sheet for the new occupants.
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NON-RESIDENT HOMEOWNERS:
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If you are a homeowner who rents or leases your property to someone else, please be sure that they receive this sign and information sheet. The occupants of your home will not have a separate mailing.