Kane County is forming a countywide support network for natural disaster preparation, response and recovery, and it’s looking for local organizations to get involved.
The new initiative, called Disaster Ready Kane, is meant to be a coordinated effort to help residents and businesses “stabilize, rebuild and recover more quickly after a major emergency,” according to a news release from Kane County’s Office of Emergency Management.
“Disaster Ready Kane ensures we are not meeting each other for the first time in the middle of a crisis,” Kane County’s Office of Emergency Management Director Scott Buziecki said in the news release. “We are building relationships, clarifying roles and strengthening our ability to serve our residents when it matters most.”
On April 10, the county will be hosting a community meeting for nonprofits, faith-based organizations, service agencies, businesses and community groups interested in joining the county initiative, the news release said. Disaster Ready Kane is looking for local groups involved in things like animal services, damage assessment, debris removal, emergency shelter, emotional and spiritual care, case management and volunteer coordination.
“Major disasters test the entire community, not just first responders,” interim chair of Disaster Ready Kane and retired South Elgin and Elburn fire chief Joe Cluchey said in the release. “The more organizations engaged before an event occurs, the more effective and compassionate our response will be.”
The April 10 meeting will be held at 2 p.m. at the Kane County Government Center at 719 S. Batavia Ave. in Geneva, the release noted, with an online meeting option also available. Organizations are encouraged to RSVP at: https://forms.gle/Eo8tvVJ2xpcQY8NZA.
