Centennial NET continue planning for major emergencies

Here’s what the most active “Neighborhood Emergency Team” in outer East Portland has been doing to make sure they’re prepared to help their neighbors during a crisis situation …

Centennial Neighborhood Emergency Team volunteers carry in equipment to their staging point in Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Across Portland are groups of neighborhood volunteers who participate in a Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET). They’ve been trained by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management and Portland Fire & Rescue to provide emergency disaster aid within their own neighborhood, while themselves being elf-sufficient for two weeks during any emergency.

Perhaps the most active of these groups is Centennial NET. At their “response point” in Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park, on July 27th, volunteers were holding a volunteer rally.

Looking enthusiastic as always, Karen Wolfgang – Centennial NET co-team leader – prepares to check out their new Operations Plan.

“Today, we are running a drill of our ‘Operations Plan’,” began Centennial NET co-team leader Karen Wolfgang. “As NETs, we are required to have an ‘Operations Plan’ that details how our group would function and operate in case of a major disruption.

“We’re doing this because we’ve changed our Plan recently – to more accurately reflect the realities of our volunteer team,” explained Wolfgang. “So, we are working out a new Plan, and making sure that it works and makes sense.”

Briefing volunteers is Centennial NET co-team leader Grace Hougey.

Volunteers began setting up equipment the in the northeast corner of the park – according to the Plan. “Part of the changes included revising the diagram we’re using for setting up our staging area,” Wolfgang told East Portland News.

Starting to set up the Medical Area is Matt Crane.

“Really, a NET is all about our people, our volunteers. We have equipment, but without the people helping here all working together, actually being ‘on the same page – it doesn’t do much good.

“Because our Plan is really about how we’re working together, we’re solidifying our relationships and practicing working with one another – so that, in the event of a disruption, we are a well-oil machine, so to speak,” Wolfgang declared.

Centennial Community Group Board President David Linn helps Karen Wolfgang set up their electrical station.

Volunteers welcome
“With the Centennial NET, we welcome all people who are interested; they don’t even have to live in the Centennial to join us,” affirmed Wolfgang.

Learn how you can participate, by visiting the Centennial NET page at Portland Prepares: CLICK HERE.

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