NYPD Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association

We Can Help Each Other! by Heidi Harrison Chain

May 15, 2005

We Can Help Each Other!
by Heidi Harrison Chain
Do you have children? Is there ever a time that your child is home alone?
Do you live alone? Are you a senior? Are you disabled? Do you care for children? Are you able to help someone in your building? Do you have a member of your family living alone- Parent? Son? Daughter? Sibling? The time is NOW. Develop an action plan. Talk to a friend/ buddy and create a support system. People are willing to help each other.

It benefits everyone when neighbors look out for each other. Individuals can spot a stranger on the street or in your apartment building. Reliance on the help of others is the basis for the 112th precinct community council?’s block watchers. BUT, there are more ways to help each other. The importance of this support only becomes apparent when the need arises. A good way for us to alleviate fear is to provide companionship, guidance and support for each other.

The New York City Office of Emergency preparedness guide indicates in part what we all know: ?“Emergencies can be frightening for people with disabilities and seniors- no one likes to feel they have lost control of their environment but emergency situation can do just that?” NYC Emergency preparedness guide 2002 The guide continues that: ?“Each individual must be responsible for their own safety as best they can- each person must do their best to protect themselves and their families. Some seniors and people with disabilities may wish to enlist someone to help them develop a plan.?”

If you live in an apartment ?– does the building know who may need help in an emergency? Who may need help shopping in a snowstorm, or other bad weather? Who may need extra help in a blackout? Anyone living alone, widows, lone parents, or women who are the sole care giver for a relative with a disability (child, adult child, spouse, or family members) should have a buddy. It is better to have a buddy system in place when everything is fine. Everyone can get involved and determine who might need extra help. If you may need assistance then arrange for a buddy now, and also give your information to the building management. Your child needs to know someone who is a friendly neighbor who they can contact if they need help.

During our Forest Hills/Rego Park Community Emergency Response Team training, the Office of Emergency Management stressed how important it is to know who needs help in the event of an emergency.

The FEMA guide to emergency preparedness also encourages everyone in the country to create a disaster plan. The FEMA guide indicates that: ?”One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for emergencies is to develop a household disaster plan. Consider ways to help neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly or the disabled.?” Emergency planning for people with special needs ...If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your household in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. The Federal Emergency Management guide suggests that everyone should :?”create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment.?”

The time is NOW: Make your plans; Find a neighbor- your buddy; Care about each other; and plan for how to overcome some obstacles together.