Emergency Services surveying residents' needs

The Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has prepared a survey to collect information that will help to ensure the community’s special needs for times of emergencies are understood.

During the week of July 22, the Wahkiakum County Departement of Emergency Management (DEM) will mail out a survey to mailing addresses to collect vital information such as:

--How can DEM best contact each residence during an emergency,

--What emergencies carry the most concern, and

--What are people's level of preparedness, resource awareness, any special considerations, and desired training or information.

"This survey provides the opportunity for you to share your opinion about our community’s risk from emergencies or natural disaster," said DEM coordinator Beau Renfro. "This is also a great opportunity for you to learn about some of the current services that we provide to help you and your family become better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters."

There are different ways to complete this survey:

--Wait for it to arrive in the mail the week of July 22nd, or

--Download and print one out or complete it online at: Http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/DEM.html.

Renfro said this survey will help him to better understand:

--What emergencies and/or disasters the community is most concerned about,

--Special needs of the community including the elderly, young, handicapped and so on,

--How he can get timely emergent /urgent information out,

--What special needs I may need to prepare for in an emergency shelter situation,

--The ability of our community to evacuate in a timely manner if extreme circumstances occur, and

--Introduce the DEM website and emergency preparedness tools and resources it contains.

Renfro said this is a great opportunity to:

--Educate the community on the availability of the Wahkiakum County Information line (795- 3911 or 1-877-795-3910).

--Educate the public on resources currently available like the Emergency Community Notification System