First Responder Relationship Building
Our founder, Julie Arrison-Bishop, was the longtime Cultural Triage Officer for the City of Salem. This position was a volunteer role that was a bridge between the cultural community and first responders in the community. Julie attended a number of disaster trainings and ensured that the cultural community was included in the city’s planning efforts for major disasters and emergencies.
This role was inspired by the longtime work of COSTEP MA. Julie was one of the founding members of the group that formed in the city. COSTEP itself has its roots in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the response that was needed to salvage and preserve cultural heritage in the New Orleans region.
Here is a short history of how COSTEP got started in Massachusetts and Salem:
One of the key tenets of the COSTEP framework is making sure that there is a relationship between a community or county’s first responders and the cultural community. Having a “seat at the table,” ensures that responders know what is vital to an organization and how to potentially protect, care for, and salvage after life and property safety are secured.
The success story that was made Salem a leader in COSTEP was the Ropes Mansion fire in 2009. The Peabody Essex Museum staff worked closely with fire officials to ensure that they had access, training, and knowledge of the buildings and collections. When fire broke out, it was contained to the attic of the structure and NO ITEMS IN THE COLLECTION WERE LOST IN THE FIREFIGHTING OPERATION.
While amazing and commendable, the lack of damage wasn’t miraculous - it was the result of building a relationship. We wanted to offer some tips to help you build a similar relationship.
XXX Tips for Building a Relationship with Local First Responders:
Invite: Use city/county websites to find out who the emergency management officer is. Invite them for a walkthrough of your organization with a focus on emergency planning.
Safety: Focus your visit on safety for the first responders (egresses, chemical storage, fire suppression, etc.) AND what matters most in your building.
COSTEP Frameworks: Share the COSTEP Starter Kit at your meeting. Ask for a timely follow-up meeting to discuss.
NIMS: Learn about the National Incident Management System. If there is an emergency or disaster, you’ll be better equipped to work with local first responders and to understand everyone’s role.
Treats: This might sound silly, but your local first responders love treats. Say thank you after your meeting with a dozen donuts or a couple of pizzas. The disaster planning relationship is important, but don’t underestimate the power of kindness to seal that congeniality!
If you want even more tips and links, this toolkit for building relationships is a great resource.
Last, we want to know what ONE THING you plan to do in May to prepare. Respond to our question of the month and you’ll be entered into a drawing for Lowe’s gift card so that you can restock supplies in your disaster kits.
(No time to plan? That’s what we’re here for! You can contact MuseumTastic to learn about our offerings for emergency and disaster planning and training!)