Power to the People: Windstorm Impact and Response in Northern Idaho

In this one-hour webinar, which is part of the Hot Topics series, representatives from the Coeur d’Alene tribe and Idaho’s Panhandle Health District discuss how they responded to a significant windstorm.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the events and emergency management activities of the November 17, 2015 windstorm.
• Review lessons learned about power sources and sheltering vulnerable populations during and after a disaster.
• Review essential communication strategies to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including essential elements worksheets and the Idaho State Bridge Call process.
• Review the role of an Emergency Support Function 8 Representative in a county Emergency Operations Center.

Intended Audiences

Local, state, and tribal public health professionals; Emergency management staff; Health care professionals

Presenters

Nick Mechikoff, MBA, Program Manager in Public Health Preparedness, Panhandle Health District, Idaho

Robert Spaulding, MAEd, Grants Management Officer, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho 

Discussion Questions

1. As a public health or emergency management professional, what would you do to mitigate problems like lack of communication capability, backup electrical power, relocating people to shelters, and the need for contingency plans?
2. How does situational awareness among health care facilities assist continuity of medical services for the community?
3. Do second-tier health care facilities in your area have agreements to assist each other during times of emergency, particularly for evacuations?

Slides

• Slides | Slide handout (3 slides per page)