A few months ago, we started a dialog about forming “PODs” in our neighborhoods to help each other out in the case of an emergency, large or small.  A POD, as we were thinking, would be a self-contained unit (a group of homes) with the function of being able to help each other out in case of an earthquake or evacuation. Here are some of the goals of creating PODs:

  • Share phone numbers and email addresses for communication purposes.
  • Draw a map of each POD and know your evacuation route.
  • Put names, phone numbers on the map and distribute to the POD members.
  • Share any special needs that a member may have (cannot drive, cannot walk, etc.).
  • Gather medications if cannot return to the house.
  • Pets that need to be cared for if cannot return to house.
  • Pets that need to be collected in case of evacuation.
  • Ability to help children in case they are at school and parents cannot get to them.

There have been a few PODs formed throughout the park, it turns out, and we would like to expand on this so that all members of our community are included and can be taken care of during an emergency.  We had our first group POD meeting last weekend. We call our POD “Lower Kiowa” and we have 11 homes.

We are looking for some people who would be willing to be POD Leaders. A leader would be the person to get things going, set up meetings, collect and share information, and just be a focal point for the small group. We have several members of the community who have volunteered so far, but we need more. If you are interested, even just a little, please reach out.  We can create this project to fit anyone and everyone.  Let’s brainstorm and find ways to be helpful so we all have a plan in the event of an emergency – large (earthquake or evacuation) or small (I can’t make it home to let my dog out, can you help?).

What do you think?  Are you in?  I think it’s a win-win without much fuss – we just need to share some information. When we get a list of people who are interested in helping, we will have a meeting and get this project going.  I’m super excited about it.  Please join us!  Contact: Dana Hartzell via email – danahartzell@verizon.net