By state statute, every town in Maine has an emergency management director. This person coordinates all the planning and preparedness activities for his or her community. Learn more about local emergency management.
However, during an emergency, many people come together to help others 'weather the storm.' These could include police and fire departments, public works, non-profit organizations, the Red Cross, elected officials, state and county emergency management agencies, and you.
That's right.
You.
Community members are critical resources when it comes to community emergency response. First responders are not an unlimited resource, and they may not always be available to help you or your neighbors during a disaster.
There are many ways you can help make your community stronger, safer and more able to weather the storm. The first step is easy: Learn more about how your local officials are planning for emergencies and how you can get involved.
If you decide you'd like to get involved in neighborhood emergency planning, here are some resources from federal and state partners:
Culture Card: A Guide to Build Cultural Awareness - American Indian and Alaska Native (pdf)
This guide provides basic information for responders coordinating services in American Indian/Alaska Native communities.
FEMA: IS-909: Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone
This free online course from FEMA presents a model program for community preparedness. In addition, resources materials are available to help organizations conduct simple preparedness activities for everyone.
NOAA: Be a Force of Nature/Weather-Ready Nation
NOAA's Weather-Ready Nation initiative is about building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events.
State of Washington: Map your Neighborhood
The Map Your Neighborhood program guides you and your neighbors through simple steps to help enhance your preparedness for an emergency. These steps will help you to quickly and safely take actions that can minimize damage and protect lives. From Washington Emergency Management