The Chinatown Disaster Response Project aims at training Chinatown residents to prepare for independent survival in the first 72 hours following a disaster. Not only does it provide disaster response training for the residents, but it also outlines the systematic coordination between community organizations and volunteer workers. Annual training classes and drills mobilize Chinatownâs effort in community-based disaster preparation.
The Chinatown Disaster Preparedness Committee was established after the Loma Prieta Earthquake more than ten years ago. With a membership consisting of public and private organizations, the Committee is dedicated to providing resources of disaster preparedness that suit Chinatown's specific language needs. For more information call (415) 788-6426.
Two kinds of classes are usually offered: the NERT, (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team), and the HAM radio operation. NERT training is coordinated with the San Francisco Fire Department. Volunteers learn to support government agencies in fire fighting, building inspections, search and rescue efforts, CPR/First Aid provision and victim transportation. HAM radio operators cooperate with the communication center in facilitating NERTâs operation and transferring news. As classes are held in Chinese, the Chinese-speaking only population can learn efficiently. Since its establishment, the Chinatown Disaster Preparedness Committee has trained over three hundred monolingual NERT and HAM volunteers.
By coordinating large-scale disaster drills in the local Chinatown area, the Chinatown Disaster Preparedness Committee puts the training in test. Volunteers enact emergency scenarios with the help of Fire Department's Emergency Response District (ERD) # 1. The ERD #1 does the moulaging of victims to imitate real life situations.
During the drill, disaster centers are set up for communication and coordination purposes. While NERT and HAM volunteers are putting their skills in practice, the community sees the plan in action-and the disaster drill in itself works as a reminder to Chinatown that disaster preparedness takes community cooperation. Each disaster drill mobilizes Chinatown residents and volunteers.
Besides community training, individual preparation for disaster is also very important. The Chinatown Disaster Preparedness Handbook, published in 1999, is now being distributed to Chinatown residents. The bilingual handbook details the "survival box" that every house hold and individual should have. Canned food, water, blanket and a battery powered lantern will ensure independent survival for at least 72 hours following the disaster, when government help is not guaranteed.
Adobe PDF file access Chinatown Disaster Preparedness Handbook: http://orb.sfusd.k12.ca.us/PDFS/CDRH.pdf
