Q: Can you tell us about your role as Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator and what a typical day looks like?
A: When disaster strikes, having an active, collaborative emergency plan is crucial. In my role, I work to enhance crisis preparation and ensure compliance with safety regulations, while consulting closely with local and regional governments to assess community needs.
Because disaster services require both daily planning and active responses, my day is highly adaptable. A normal routine generally includes morning hazard monitoring, mitigation planning, and community outreach. However, when an emergency occurs such as severe weather or flooding, our efforts shift immediately to support the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center, working hand-in-hand with vital partners like BRACE (Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies) to coordinate relief.
Q: What inspired you to work in disaster and emergency services?
A: The desire to bring order to chaos and make a direct impact on people's lives during their most vulnerable moments is the primary inspiration for working in this field. Being able to turn complex, stressful challenges into actionable response and recovery strategies provides a deeply meaningful sense of purpose.
Q: How does United Way of West Florida support our community before, during, and after a disaster?
A: United Way of West Florida focuses on building long-term community resilience before disaster strikes through mitigation, preparedness, and planning. We support communities by providing resources, activating local volunteers, and operating the 211/988 helpline. Rather than starting from scratch, we leverage existing networks and partnerships to provide immediate food, shelter, and clean water, followed by long-term rebuilding, financial assistance, and mental health support for impacted families.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges communities face when preparing for hurricanes and other emergencies?
A: Communities preparing for hurricanes face major hurdles, including resource strains, financial strains, communications barriers, and evacuation challenges for lower-income or vulnerable populations. There are also local flooding risks.
Q: As Hurricane Preparedness Month is recognized, what are three things every family should do now to prepare for hurricane season?
A: Every family should immediately take three actionable steps: Know your local evacuation zone, build a self-sufficient emergency supply kit to last at least seven days, and document your home and valuables for insurance purposes.
Q: What resources are available through UWWF or our community partners to help residents prepare for emergencies?
A: Disaster resources change rapidly to address evolving policies and frequent extreme weather, which is why partnering with disaster-specific organizations is so vital. UWWF powers 211 Northwest Florida, our 24/7 information and referral hotline. By dialing 211 or visiting www.uwwf.org/211, residents can access real-time information on emergency food, shelter locations, mental health support, and specialized disaster services. For targeted preparedness training and local volunteer opportunities, our partners at BRACE are also an incredible asset to the community.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience where disaster response efforts made a significant difference for someone in our community?
A: In one notable community experience, an elderly couple was trapped in the attic of their flooded home. They realized rescue vehicles could not reach them and feared the worst. A firefighter eventually heard their calls for help, and responders on a jet ski managed to pull them and their dogs to safety. This rapid, grassroots-style deployment of local resources by Escambia County's first responders was repeatedly deployed dozens of times, safely evacuating hundreds of stranded citizens during and immediately after this storm's historic flooding.
The immediate rescue was only the first hurdle; recovery required immense community resilience and ongoing disaster response. Groups like the Escambia Long-Term Recovery Group stepped in to assist with the difficult tasks of mucking homes, mold remediation, and long-term rebuilding.
Q: What misconceptions do people often have about disaster preparedness or recovery?
A: The most dangerous misconception is that the government or first responders will instantly handle all needs during a crisis. Widespread emergencies overwhelm municipal resources, meaning individuals and families must often be self-sufficient for a minimum of two weeks.
Q: How can community members get involved in supporting disaster preparedness and response efforts?
A: Community members can get involved in disaster preparedness and response by joining certified training programs, volunteering with established relief organizations, donating funds, and advocating for local resilience.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would like everyone in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to remember this hurricane season?
A: Do everything you can to prepare before a storm enters the Gulf. Be “One Week Ready."