Resource

Disaster Planning: Build Stakeholder Relationships Early


Share on Social Media

Closeup of two businessmen shaking hands.

 

You never know who you will need to call on for assistance during a disaster; unforeseen issues will arise, and you may need to call on a neighboring city or county, your state, or even your Congressman for assistance. Although it’s difficult, near impossible, to predict who will be able to provide what your community will need in a given disaster, building and maintaining a diverse network of relationships during disaster planning can help ensure that you know who to call, and for what, when disaster does strike.

State and Local Elected Officials

How well do your state and local officials know you? You’ll create a stronger, more authentic bond if you establish a relationship with your state and local officials now, not when you’re asking for assistance under duress. Put aside political differences. If someone is not familiar with your community, share some of what makes it special and extend an invitation to visit.

“You need to know your representatives in advance,” says Amanda Moody, director of economic development for the city of Central, Louisiana, which is recovering from a devastating 2016 flood. “Don’t wait for the disaster to happen. They need to know who you are and identify with your community.”

In August 2016, Central was still recovering from damage caused by flash flooding earlier in the year, when more than 7 trillion gallons of rain fell in a 48-hour period, swallowing the city in more than four feet of water and in some places, up to six feet.

Initial forecasts underestimated the amount of rain the area would receive. Central, which has ample experience with hurricanes and was well-prepared for typical disaster scenarios, had no way of anticipating the amount of damage the rains would cause. Of its 27,000 residents, 25,000 were impacted by the flood, which resulted in more than $10 billion in losses.

Surrounding Jurisdictions

Relationships with government agencies in other localities are also critical. Talk with other cities and counties about disaster planning, and establish mutual aid agreements that specify how you will help each other in a disaster event.

“Have a memorandum of understanding in place for working with other local governments and agencies,” suggests Charlie Cox, emergency management coordinator, Orange County, Texas. Sister city partnerships can also define how two cities will help each other during a natural disaster. “Our sister city can help take in our residents if they’re displaced in a disaster,” he explains.

In March 2016, excessive rain caused the Sabine River north of Orange County to reach record-high levels, compromising the integrity of the Toledo Bend Dam and forcing dam operators to release water and flood the county. At its peak, the amount of water flowing over the dam per minute was equivalent to the water flow of Niagara Falls.

The county had previous experience with flooding after Hurricanes Rita and Ike. Their existing disaster plans, however, only accounted for flooding from the Gulf. Although they had two weeks to prepare, county officials had to rapidly develop a plan for a disaster scenario with water coming from the opposite direction, with no historical data or existing flood models.

Volunteers and Faith-Based Organizations

Looking for more relationship advice? Include your community’s volunteer and faith-based organizations in disaster planning. A natural disaster will strain your community’s resources, and volunteers will either help alleviate this strain or unintentionally make it worse.

Talking with these groups regularly beforehand will not only help you understand what they can offer during a disaster, it also can help them understand roles and boundaries intended to ensure safety and avoid duplicated or unnecessary efforts.

Likewise, establish relationships with enthusiasts or resident groups that may have special equipment or skills that can help in a disaster. Amateur Ham radio enthusiasts are invaluable assets when landlines and mobile phones are down. Check out IBTS’s tips on coordinating with local amateur radio associations, and download the IBTS Guide for Natural Disaster Ham Radio Operators.

Ask Central’s residents about the “Cajun Navy”—a group of resident boat owners who navigated flood waters to rescue those stranded in their homes—and you’re likely to get tears of gratitude and one heroic story after another.

This article appeared as part of “Strategic Disaster Planning: Tips to Give Your Community a Head Start,” the cover article in the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA’s) April 2017 edition of Public Management (PM) magazine. It was written by Karen Johnson, IBTS marketing manager, and Avery Share, IBTS research analyst. 

Contact Us

Comments or Questions? Reach out to IBTS.

    Stay Connected

    Stay up to date with all the latest IBTS news.

      Full navigation