Ready Your Street: Plan
The goal of the Ready Your Street (RYS) program is to empower neighbors to respond effectively during the critical first hour after a disaster through neighbor-to-neighbor coordination, basic emergency response, and mutual aid.
Implementing RYS takes between 6 and 12 months. Ongoing maintenance is required.
You’ll know you’ve hit a success milestone when your street can execute the first-hour response protocol (assembly, headcount, utility shutoffs, and triage) within 15 to 20 minutes of a “disaster onset” during a training exercise.
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1–2)
Street Recruitment and Initial Engagement
Identify target streets through community outreach, focusing on
○ Streets with existing social connections or regular interaction.
○ Areas with interested volunteer leaders willing to serve as street captains.
○ Geographic diversity representing different risk profiles.
Host initial RYS parties, informal neighborhood gatherings, to
○ Introduce emergency preparedness concepts without fear-based messaging.
○ Let neighbors meet each other in a relaxed setting.
○ Identify natural leaders and engaged participants.
○ Gauge interest level and community dynamics.
Leadership Development
Recruit street captains who are
○ Long-term residents with neighborhood knowledge.
○ Natural organizers whom neighbors trust.
○ Committed to ongoing coordination (not just a one-time event).
Establish co-captain partnerships from the start to prevent burnout.
Provide basic captain training covering
○ First-hour response protocols.
○ Meeting facilitation skills.
○ Basic emergency preparedness principles.
○ Communication methods and tools.
Phase 2: Street-Level Planning (Months 2–4)
Emergency Meeting Point Selection
Ask residents to identify 2 to 3 potential post-disaster assembly points on their street. For neighbors who live in a single apartment building, for example, this might be outside in front of the building. For neighbors in a rural area who live a few miles from each other, this might be the driveway of a neighboring farm. For neighbors who live in earthquake country, this might be a yard with few trees.
Consider elevation, accessibility, and distance from hazards.
Account for seasonal conditions (flooding, landslides, etc.).
Test accessibility for elderly or mobility-impaired residents.
Choose primary and backup locations.
Ensure there are clear sightlines for headcounts, space for basic triage activities, protection from weather when possible, and a safe distance from structural collapse risks.
Role Assignment and Training
The Street Captain and Co-Captain should assign emergency roles based on skills and interest:
Team Leader: Is responsible for overall coordination and decision making.
Communication Coordinator: Relays information between Street and Disaster Hub; keeps records.
Triage Coordinator: Makes medical assessments and manages injuries; determines who needs to be transported to Disaster Hub for further care.
Utility Coordinator: Is responsible for gas, water, and electrical shutoffs
Search Coordinator: Accounts for all residents and checks on vulnerable neighbors.
The Street Captain and Co-Captain should secure cross-training of residents to ensure backup coverage for all essential roles
Infrastructure and Hazard Location
The Street Captain should lead sessions to identify and mark on a map
Water shut-off valves (street-level and individual properties)
Gas shut-off locations and procedures
Electrical panels and main disconnects.
Propane tanks and fuel storage.
Potential hazards: trees, slopes, flood zones.
Wells, septic systems, and generators.
Residents should create simple hand-drawn maps for each household. Make digital backup if resources allow.
Phase 3: Tools and Systems Development (Months 3–5)
Communication Tools
HELP/OK door cards are simple, weather-resistant cards for each household.
Basic damage assessment forms are one-page forms for documenting injuries, damage, and immediate needs.
Skills inventory system lists useful emergency skills (first aid, carpentry, medical training, etc.).
Equipment inventory lists useful tools and gear (generators, chainsaws, medical supplies)
Communication Systems
Designate message runners for when technology fails.
Create a simple relay system between houses.
Identify residents with amateur radio capabilities.
Information Storage
Use waterproof containers for emergency documents.
Make paper copies of all critical information.
Store essential materials in multiple locations.
Phase 4: Training and Drills (Months 4–6)
Basic Emergency Skills Training
First aid and CPR basics. Focus on skills useful in first-hour response, such as simple triage principles for multiple casualties and determining when to move injured people and when to wait for professionals.
Utility shutoff training. Include hands-on practice with actual valves and systems. Review tool requirements and safety procedures and knowing when shutoffs are dangerous and when they are necessary.
Communication practice. Learn how to use HELP/OK cards effectively, complete damage assessment forms quickly, and relay messages accurately.
First-Hour Response Drills
Tabletop exercises: Talk through scenarios.
Walk-through drills: Practice assembly, role assignment, and basic procedures.
Full simulation exercises:
○ Unannounced or scheduled practice scenarios.
○ Time response from “disaster” to organized street response.
○ Realistic complications (missing people, injuries, damage).
Debrief and improvement:
○ What worked well vs. areas for improvement.
○ Adjust roles, procedures, or meeting points based on experience.
○ Update documentation and training as needed.
Phase 5: Implementation and Testing (Months 5–8)
Live Testing Opportunities
Participate in community emergency exercises when available.
Use actual minor emergencies as learning opportunities:
○ Power outages, severe weather, minor accidents.
○ Practice elements of response protocol in low-stakes situations.
Regular neighborhood check-ins:
○ Quarterly gatherings to maintain relationships and review plans.
○ Annual plan updates accounting for new residents, changed conditions.
○ Seasonal preparation for weather-specific hazards.
Documentation and Continuity
Create a simple procedures manual for each street:
○ One-page summary of roles, meeting points, key contacts.
○ Basic maps and emergency information.
○ Instructions for onboarding new residents.
Succession planning:
○ Cross-training for captain responsibilities.
○ Documentation of institutional knowledge.
○ Regular leadership transition planning.
Phase 6: Maintenance and Growth (Months 6–12 and ongoing)
Maintaining Engagement
Social integration: Connect emergency preparedness with regular social activities.
○ Annual preparedness potlucks or barbecues.
○ Seasonal equipment checks combined with neighbor visits.
○ Skills-sharing workshops (not just emergency-focused).
Regular practice and updates:
○ Annual walk-through of emergency meeting points.
○ Updates for new residents or changed circumstances.
○ Refresher training for essential skills.
Expansion and Connection
Support adjacent streets starting their own PPP programs. Consider sharing a ham radio among several Ready Streets, for example.
Share lessons learned with other communities.
Connect with local emergency management when appropriate:
○ Understand how street-level response fits with broader emergency plans.
○ Identify resources available during larger emergencies.
○ Clarify when to seek outside help vs. when to handle situations locally.
Essential Resources and Materials
Startup Materials (per street)
HELP/OK door cards (2 per household minimum)
Basic damage assessment forms (multiple copies per household)
Simple street maps showing utilities and meeting points
Emergency contact sheets with neighbor information and skills
Basic first aid supplies for community use
Utility shutoff tools (water meter keys, gas shut-off wrenches)
Training Resources
Basic first aid/CPR training (in-person preferred, online acceptable
Utility safety information from local providers
Local hazard information (flood zones, earthquake risk, etc.)
Emergency management contact information
Communication Tools
Phone trees or text chains for normal communications
Physical message boards or bulletin areas for information sharing
Amateur radio operators if available in community
Simple two-way radios for short-distance communication
Success Indicators
Immediate (3–6 months)
Streets can identify their emergency meeting points from memory.
The majority of households have HELP/OK cards and know how to use them.
Basic roles are assigned and residents understand their responsibilities.
A simple street map shows key utilities and hazards.
Medium-term (6–12 months)
Streets can complete assembly and headcount within 15 minutes.
Basic triage and first aid capabilities available on each street.
Utility shutoff procedures known and equipment available.
Communication systems tested and functional
Long-term (ongoing)
Annual preparedness activities maintain neighbor connections.
New residents integrated into street emergency plans.
Regular drills and exercises keep skills current.
The Street can respond effectively to actual minor emergencies.
Key Implementation Principles
Manageability: Focus on willing participants rather than trying to include everyone initially.
Community ownership: Let streets make their own decisions about procedures and priorities
Practice-based learning: Emphasize hands-on experience over classroom-style training.
Social foundation: Build emergency preparedness on existing neighbor relationships.
Simplicity: Keep procedures and tools simple enough for real-world emergency use.
Flexibility: Adapt approaches to different community types and engagement levels.
Sustainability: Design systems that can maintain themselves with minimal outside support.