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date. This plan should have a chain of command, and everyone involved should already know what to do. Who coordinates and communicates with the municipal- ity? Who interacts with the insur- ance company? Who addresses downed trees so that emergency personnel can access the site? Who has a CB radio? How will information be spread, such as what roads are open, where shelter may be sought, and how to find “Get a ‘go-bag’ together. Yes, batteries, flashlights, flares, first aid kit, a flash drive with essential data, a battery- operated radio...”

utility restoration information. There are “Incident Command System” rules used by the national system for emergency response, which may be helpful. Key community staff and volunteers should have basic ICS training. (www.training.fema.gov/ EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/index. htm)

8. Once the emergency plan is final- ized, the whole community should be educated as to what to do, and how they can get infor- mation. The plan should clearly identify the manner in which the community can contact the emer- gency team and get or share information.

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