January 11, 2017

The IC Receives National Recognition from FEMA

by Gabe Taylor

On September 16th, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representative Carrie Roberts presented The Independence Center with the Outstanding Inclusive Initiative in Emergency Management Award. FEMA, a U.S. government agency best known for its disaster recovery efforts, also focuses on emergency preparedness training. The award was given to The IC for building eighteen Emergency Preparedness Kits to help people with disabilities during emergencies. The effort was led by The IC’s Emergency Preparedness department. Contractor John Monteith and Board Member Pat Going accepted the award for their part in helping to pull this effort together.

The kits were developed with the help of a grant from the Daniels Fund. Each kit contains mobility and communication devices, personal heating and cooling equipment, eating and drinking products, and other items needed to address a range of disability needs. After completion, the kits were donated to the American Red Cross and other local groups.

When disaster strikes, each of these kits will make a huge difference for individuals in need. So congratulations to The IC’s Emergency Preparedness Department and to everyone who made this award possible.

For more information, visit The Independence Center’s Emergency Preparedness webpage.