• Healthcare Coalitions. “Every state has one of these,” Szpy- tek said. These are groups of local healthcare and responder organizations that collaborate on ways to improve emergency preparedness and protect the health and safety of their commu- nities in the face of a disaster. They provide an opportunity for collaboration and connections. More information about these can be found in a Public Health Emergency handbook from the Dept. of Health and Human Services at
https://www.phe.gov/ Preparedness/planning/mscc/healthcarecoalition/chapter1/ Pages/
default.aspx.
• Utility Companies. Make sure the electric, water, and gas companies know you have vulnerable elderly residents in your buildings and that you need to be prioritized for service restora- tion after a disaster. Don’t assume they know who you are and what you do.
• Law Enforcement and Fire Department. Have relationships with these entities so you can alert them to keep an eye on your building if you must evacuate. They also can work with you to identify safety measures such as how to keep residents’ units and possessions safe and make sure any drugs and medications are secured.
• Recovery and Restoration Companies. It is important to know what companies offer recovery and restoration services in your area. “It’s a good idea to have a relationship with one and have two to three backups,” said Szpytek. This requires some inves- tigation and research to find reputable companies you’ll be able to count on and trust. “You need to know in the blink of an eye who to call. There are many unsavory companies out there that throw some equipment and tools into a truck and call themselves a restoration company,” he said. These companies may not only
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