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Last year, Ready GO members decided to improve our neighborhood’s ability to quickly assess and communicate our needs for emergency assistance following a large-scale emergency.  In spring 2019, we applied for and received a Neighborhood Empowerment small grant from the City of Corvallis (matched by homeowner association funds) to purchase walkie-talkies, a short-wave radio and other gear to equip our neighborhood response  team.  That equipment has been acquired, and the Ready Go team has begun practicing with it to be ready in case of emergency. 

A list of the equipment purchased with City and Board-approved funds follows.  The equipment is designated for use by team members and other residents assisting in the first response to neighborhood emergencies (“first responders”).  Our first responders will use the gear to do a house-to-house, “light” search and rescue operation and follow-up contact with police, fire, ambulance professional responders.  “Light” means simply checking in on residents, especially those whose “special needs” have been made known to the Ready GO Committee.  (First responders cannot do more than that; anything more is the purview of trained professionals.) 

Secondary uses of the equipment include assisting professional first responders in their search and rescue operations, allowing residents to keep in touch with one another inside and outside the neighborhood, and perhaps allowing residents to keep their cell phones and associated electronic equipment charged up. 

The equipment will be stored in a dry, dust-free, fire-proof cabinet at the clubhouse.  The equipment is for use during emergencies; it cannot be used for non-emergency purposes unless permitted in advance in writing by a member of the Ready GO Committee or the Board of Directors liaison.  Forms stored with the equipment will be used to record the names of users and the dates and times of use.  As the communications equipment is powered by batteries, some regular use and maintenance will be required by Ready GO team members.