Humanity Road conducted the exercise and launched a community emergency response center. They also practiced their business continuity plan by partnering with the Boydton Public Library, DataPath, a satellite communications and networks expert, to establish a local recovery resource center and also with Lake Country Amateur Radio to perform critical Ham Radio notifications for local businesses and the community.
Every two years the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducts a national level exercise to promote local, state, regional and national preparedness. For the 2018 Exercise, between April 30 and May 11, FEMA is holding a full-scale field exercise with communities across the nation to practice disaster response with their business and regional partners nationwide.
"This year FEMA is encouraging all communities to practice their continuity plans to help improve our nation's resilience," says Chris Thompson, President of Humanity Road. "We are partnering with DataPath and the Boydton Public Library to bring critical communications services including the ability to get online and make VOIP calls." National statistics indicate that 75% of businesses without a continuity plan will fail within 3 years after facing operations impacting disaster. Thompson says, "We simulated providing a joint wifi-enabled resource center for the local community to reconnect with loved ones and begin their recovery planning."
https://youtu.be/Pp4PGBHFokY
DataPath provided a rapid-deploy communications kit that provided power generation, laptops, internet, VOIP, and IP radio services to simulate sustaining a wifi enabled public resource center and comfort center. Cassie Boyd, Boydton Public Library, Branch Supervisor, said, "We are thrilled to be working together with Humanity Road and DataPath to empower our community with wifi and internet access in the event of significant power loss in our area."
The Paths Medical Center in Boydton participated as a cooling and warming station and offered emergency medical and small wound care.
"Communities around the nation can and should follow this practice model," shares Chris Thompson. "Take the first step and plan with each other, practice radio checks and communication techniques. The public is encouraged to update your emergency alerts and practice your own preparedness plans because, You Are the Help Until Help Arrives."
About DataPath
When disaster strikes, DataPath can give you peace of mind that your network will endure through any disaster. Their experienced communications specialists are prepared to deploy on a moment's notice to bring critical communications, power, and networking expertise to any disaster area or austere environment. DataPath, along with its network partner, LBiSAT, are revolutionizing disaster communications readiness by bringing a unique on-demand satellite communications solution to those who need it the most. Read more at http://datapath.com/
About Humanity Road
Humanity Road is located in Boydton, VA is an award winning top rated 501c3 nonprofit, recognized at the White House by the Department of Homeland Security for its contribution to disaster response and by the United Nations as one of the top 100 innovative humanitarian aid organizations in the world. Volunteers interested in supporting their work can visit https://www.humanityroad.org/get-involved.
Media Contact
Cat Graham
***@humanityroad.org
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