By Nancy Hiser
At the request of the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM), Linnton NET (Neighborhood Emergency Team) surveyed our residents about their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and here are some takeaways. The good news: 85% of respondents reported adequate access to information. Most sought it online. This poses a question: without an internet connection, where would you go for information? What about your biggest needs during this time? No surprises here: masks and hand sanitizer. Toilet paper? Actually only a few stated this. About 80% of you said you were prepared to quarantine but 20% were lacking adequate food and emergency supplies. Almost half of you reported you will increase water and food storage and collect or increase your emergency supplies to be better prepared. We haven’t figured out the 20% who weren’t sure about how to prepare or had no plans to prepare for future events.
Our sincere appreciation to those who responded. A summary of your survey responses was forwarded to PBEM. However, first responders have repeatedly stated that following an emergency event of a significant magnitude, there will be no immediate emergency help. We will be relying on our own preparedness and that of our neighbors. How will you prepare?
In March, when quarantining was announced, many of us responded, “What? For 3 months? This is going to be impossible/really hard.” Here we are 9 months later, stressed and bruised, and still facing COVID restrictions and fallout. What has gotten us this far? It’s different for each of us but, here’s my list: following the safety guidelines; the support of family, neighbors, and friends; books and films; getting outside when possible; staying productively engaged with community projects; the incredible humor, wisdom, inspiration, and beauty of writers, artists, activists, and more; gratitude; and Zoom (alas!). Being retired with grown children, I know my path has been far easier than those who have worried about shelter and finances, juggled or lost jobs, homeschooled and cared for children. Many in our community still need our support. If you can, continue to offer help to those neighbors who have been less fortunate. If you need help, please let others know.
In response to a comment or two in the survey, Linnton NET launched a monthly newsletter–NET Neighbor News–in October to increase public awareness and build community hyperlocally. Our initial issues covered the annual Great Oregon ShakeOut earthquake drill (drop, cover, and hold), mental health during a disaster, and disaster planning for pets. Newsletters are customized to neighborhoods: Springville, Glen Harbor, Hoge, Linnton Hill, Harborton, Newberry/Riverview/Marina Way, and “further afield.” Do you know where your disaster staging area is? Who is your NET neighborhood representative? What are your neighborhood’s unique challenges?
Our email address list is limited—we are reaching about 1/3 of Linnton’s residences. Help us help you. Sign up. We are happy to send you prior newsletters and address issues you suggest. My new email address: nancyghiser@gmail.com