Wednesday, December 19, 2007

You might want to move after you read this....

I had a really interesting meeting yesterday with two leaders of the Heritage Eagle Bend neighborhood in Aurora. Both are "retired" men, both fathers and husbands, but you would be amazed at their dedication to making their community safe.

Heritage Eagle Bend is a community of older adults, age 55 and over. (You're going to wish you were older, too...).

It is a relatively new area of Aurora, but its residents have the advantage of many years of experience and a desire for real community. People move there because of the active lifestyle, with a golf course, two pools, many clubs, a restaurant, and tons of social activities for couples, singles, and grandkids.

Heritage Eagle Bend created an emergency response committee a few years ago. The committee has come a long way. One of the first of its activities was distribution of a survey to help them identify the needs of their residents. They had an incredible return rate and were able to find out a lot. They diligently seek assistance to build their stockpile of emergency equipment, ranging from donated blankets and cots from the civil defense era to brand new generators to help them maintain essential operations during power failures. They are encouraging residents to stock supplies for seven to 10 days, promoting self-sufficiency while building community.

Their most recent success is the formation of a partnership with Parker Adventist Hospital. Through this partnership, they have formed their own Medical Reserve Corps unit. This effort makes them eligible for funding that will allow them to purchase radios and other needed communication technology, among other important equipment.

Watch for more news of this up-and-coming community of volunteer responders.

What about you? What can you do to help your community prepare? Maybe you can drop off a READYColorado brochure about packing an emergency kit to one of your neighbors; or you could encourage a friend to create an emergency communications plan? How are you doing your part for your community?

Send in your comments today!

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