Our Southeast Neighbors disaster preparedness committee — “Ready Southeast” — looks back at achievements in 2023 and forward to an exciting year ahead.
What we did together in 2023:
- Conducted our neighborhood-wide springtime exercise — familiarized nearby neighbors with their closest emergency supplies boxes
- Shared information about Lane County’s new emergency alert system
- Recruited and trained 10 new Block Captains — including the managers at our SEN “rest stop”
- Expanded our successful Second Sunday at Seven monthly radio check-ins
- Supported a new group of nearby neighbors organizing on Spring Boulevard
- Shared wildfire assessments with the Oregon Department of Forestry for potential fuel mitigation
- Worked with City staff to obtain new neighborhood preparedness maps
- Started reviewing the SEN Disaster Plan for potential updates
- Produced preparedness stories for the Whole Community News
What we are looking forward to in 2024:
- Heather Sielicki will start serving as Ready SE chair and Incident Commander
- Carpooling together on the first Thursdays to attend CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) events
- Organizing a discussion of wildfire and “home hardening” at SEN’s March general meeting
- Conducting our neighborhood-wide springtime exercise – simulate blocked roads to practice finding new evacuation routes
- Completing vegetation management work for 20+ Southeast Neighbors
- Inviting more volunteers into Ready SE leadership roles
- Applying for matching grants based on our work plan and disaster plan
- Supporting preparedness in other neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Leaders Council
Our mission is to empower Southeast Eugene residents to create a resilient and supportive community, prepared for emergencies and disasters through collaboration, communication, practice, and community engagement.
Come join us! Contact us by email at SENeighborsPrepared@gmail.com