I have posted this in the distant past what will post it again. For most counties and cities preparedness for emergencies starts with the individual. I can only speak from my experience, but here is what I have done in the past and now present time.
1. You have to be involved in local politics. (Attendance of meetings, committees ECT.) 2. You want to influence people not scare them 3. Network local, state and federal agencies. 4. Get involved. 5. Train one’s self (Every state has some kind of online training)
I for one travel extensively, but am still able to be some what involved. I am curious as to what others have been able to in their local governments to prepare for a Pandemic. Informing the public is good, but lasts for only a short while unless you have government backing.
Well I pushed and pushed until I ticked some people off, then I waited and laid low. They have now asked me for some help. I am not pushing anymore, just suggesting when the opportunity arises. We now have someone who is in charge, just learning, but has some medical background and is really gun ho.
Birdie Kate - What I suggest it to work through your local community staffed committees. For instance I gave a small speech on community resilience last week. I now may be able to expand emergency services and add to my community’s emergency plan. Pandemic planning will be put on the agenda. This did not happen overnight, I did not push very hard on one particular emergency. I pushed real hard on emergency preparedness. That means flood, fire, rock slides, pandemic planning ECT. I now have the correct audience and the funds to plan and execute future plans. Then I bring others who are like minded into the fold and increase preparedness even more.