Neighborhood Preparedness Ambassador Program
A Train-the-Trainer Initiative coordinated by the Emergency Preparedness Department and Department of Neighborhood Empowerment

Preparing our neighborhoods is no longer one person’s, one department’s, or even one city’s responsibility. It takes a united effort among government, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, neighborhoods, neighborhood blocks and individual households. It is everyone’s responsibility to prepare themselves and then take initiative to engage others around them to be prepared, too! To foster this spirit of preparedness and readiness, the City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Organization sponsors a three-part series, train-the-trainer program for neighborhood council representatives. This series offers participants an opportunity to get involved in the City’s emergency preparedness program.

Provide an introduction and overview of the City's Emergency Preparedness Department and various partner agencies.   Provide overview of the following topics: All Hazard Preparedness, Evacuation, Hazard Mitigation, Preparedness for Special Populations (e.g., Seniors, Persons with Disabilities, Children, Pets, etc), Community Emergency Response Team, Crisis Response Team, Utility Preparedness, etc.   Introduce Neighborhood Councils to the Neighborhood Preparedness Ambassador Program and discuss how they may become involved.   Explain the various types of emergencies and provide basic steps for dealing with each.   Teach Neighborhood Councils how to produce an effective neighborhood preparedness plan.

Focus on Training the Trainer.   Provide introduction and overview of City departments involved in the Emergency Operations Organization.   Review the importance of being prepared for all types of emergencies.   Discuss the steps needed to create a neighborhood preparedness plan.   Identify and discuss the role and responsibilities of organizing the neighborhood in case of an emergency.   Provide hands-on learning, role-play activities and safety demonstrations.   Provide a contact list of Academy presenters.   Provide a Neighborhood Council emergency planning guide.   Provide handouts and reference material that reinforce workshop discussion.