Information on Neighborhood Networks
Two years ago, the Board of Health met with the Selectmen to talk about the idea of setting up Neighborhood Networks as part of the town's emergency response system. The Selectmen were very much in favor of this effort. Many communities are promoting these initiatives as a means of coordinating local resources. The Board of Health has offered to provide guidance on how to organize a Neighborhood Network, but participation is up to each household. Currently Carlisle has nine residents who have offered to organize their neighborhoods.
One of the primary tasks of these networks will be to disseminate information quickly and effectively to families. Good communication is critical to an effective disaster response. For example, Carlisle's Emergency Planning Committee is organizing local HAM Radio Operators who could be used to contact out of state relatives via email with status reports so that regular communication systems are not overwhelmed. The job of the Neighborhood Coordinator would be to keep a list of out of state contacts that would be provided to the HAM Operators. Another example would be to provide information if the town were to set up a shelter - where, when and for whom. It is hoped that neighbors will also begin preparing 72- hour kits for sheltering in place and a list of resources they are willing to share.
The following are recommendations on how to organize a neighborhood:
Mapping of houses with names and keeping a list of attendees with telephone numbers and emails. The Board of Health suggests limiting the number of households in each group to approximately twenty five. It is hoped that neighborhoods will be self-defining. Households which are not part of the initial layout will be able to join a group that makes sense to them.
Each household should receive a white "Neighborhood Networks" brochure, a blue "Family Disaster Plan" and a yellow "Carlisle Household Inventory Form/Emergency Contacts" to be given to the Neighborhood Contact for safekeeping.
Neighbors will choose a Neighborhood Contact (and Alternate) who will keep the yellow forms for use during an emergency. The Neighborhood Contact/Alternate will be the contact household for town officials. They will also act as a central contact within the neighborhood. There are no specific duties or responsibilities of the Neighborhood Contact other than providing emergency information.
It is the responsibility of each family to update their information. An annual get together is a great way to do this. Many neighborhoods already have regular gatherings and keep a neighborhood email list.
The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health thank you for your interest and look forward to partnering with you to build a sustainable, effective Neighborhood Network response system. Please contact the Boar of Health office at 978-369-0283 if you would like more information on Neighborhood Networks
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