Program Spotlight: Be Ready! Disaster Preparedness

Did you know that nearly half of Americans are unprepared for disaster? Considering Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties’ vulnerability towards adverse events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, tornados, and flooding, it is important that our community is prepared for any kind of natural or man-made disaster.

How do we make sure our community is prepared for disaster? We do so by helping our community “Be Ready!” More than just a slogan, Be Ready! is Black River United Way’s disaster resiliency program designed to ensure residents of Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties are prepared before, during and after disaster strikes. Be Ready! focuses on three key objectives for community readiness - preparing funds for early response, partners for early action, and our neighbors through disaster preparedness education.

Preparing Funds For Early Response

Black River United Way administers FEMA funding in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties year-round through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and during federally declared disasters. Through EFSP, we ensure federal resources are made available to local nonprofits assisting with basic needs such as shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, hunger and/or homelessness. When disaster strikes and federal funds become available, we are prepared to manage and distribute those funds to produce the greatest benefit in aiding our community’s recovery from a disaster.

Preparing Partners For Early Action

As the lead agency of the Winyah Bay COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) / Long-Term Recovery Group we work year-round with partners on disaster response and recovery plans. Through the COAD, our goal is to ensure that when a disaster strikes, every human need is planned for and met, and that all affected communities have access to resources. Should a disaster strike, Black River United Way is responsible for leading the logistical distribution of donated goods and volunteer services before, during and after disasters under the Georgetown County Emergency Operations Plan. In 2023, Black River United Way led the Winyah Bay COAD in the first community tabletop exercise with Georgetown County EMD. Through the partnership of the COAD, a home was saved from further damage due to mold by a quick response to the impacts of a high wind event.

Preparing Our Neighbors Through Disaster Preparedness Education

Through our Be Ready! Workshops, we provide FEMA certified disaster preparedness education to our community. These workshops assist individuals, families, and agencies by providing information and resources to help them develop their own emergency action plans, evacuation plans, and disaster kits. We provide this training to both adults and kids and conduct these workshops at local schools, community and faith based groups, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. In 2023 - 2024, nine Be Ready! Workshops were held, and over 1,113 disaster kits were provided to students at local elementary schools.

Being prepared when disaster strikes helps ensure that we keep everyone safe and on track for success. Through our Be Ready! program we help our community tackle unpreparedness head-on and be ready for some of life’s unexpected challenges and dangers.