SAMPLE SCENARIO: BLIZZARD
(This scenario is based on real conditions during the January 2016 NYC blizzard.)
Print copies of your plan and fill out the related staffing charts and assessment tools as you run through the exercise. Take notes on lessons learned, decisions made, and gaps that exist in your planning.
DAY -4 (PRIOR TO EVENT):
A winter storm, potentially a blizzard, is expected to impact the Northeast Friday through Saturday.
-
What is your message to your community? What strategies do you use to reach everyone? Fill in your communications chart.
-
Which network members do you contact? Who can help prepare your community?
-
What do you do to help prepare elderly residents and individuals with access and functional needs Who in your network can help?
DAY -2 (PRIOR TO EVENT):
The forecast is 10 inches of snow— officially a blizzard. It will arrive Friday threatening the power grid, slowing traffic, and hindering emergency responders.
-
How does your messaging change to your community? How will you prepare for a power outage?
-
What impact will the storm have on services and activities?
DAY 1 (AFTER EVENT):
The Mayor bans non-emergency travel. MTA services stop. Total snowfall is over 26 inches.
-
What are your community’s needs? Who will conduct a needs assessment and what strategies of communication will they use?
-
Identify community resources that can address those needs. Record tasks, leads and community resource assignments on your staffing chart.
-
Who is checking on homebound, elderly and other vulnerable neighbors? What network members or community resources can help with this?
DAY 2 (AFTER EVENT):
The City reminds residents never to use gas, kerosene, propane space heaters, charcoal, or grills to heat their properties. Media sources announce that multiple people have died from shoveling snow.
-
How will you get these warnings to your community members?
-
What resources can you provide for residents to help them stay safe?
User Comments/Questions
Add Comment/Question