Skip to content

Pierce County Emergency Management

2010 National Achievement Award Winner

In January 2009, the Citizen Corps Council of Pierce County  took action when a huge rain storm pummeled the Pacific Northwest, causing major flooding of rivers and surrounding areas. The Pierce County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Citizen Corps representatives from many local non-government and faith-based organizations, and government agencies discussed the impact the storm was having on residents in order to formulate a plan of action. 

Following the storm, the members of this group formed the Disaster Survivors Advocacy Team (DSAT) under the Citizen Corps Council umbrella. The Team developed and implemented a procedure for forwarding calls from the EOC to the Council and the DSAT team. Using this procedure, the DSAT can direct clients to the appropriate point of contact to address their immediate needs.  However, as part of a confidential working group, DSAT members can discuss which clients may possibly need extended assistance and identify potential case managers. These measures have been use to build a strong network of agencies and individuals to committed to better assisting Pierce County residents.  On the surface, this is much like other long-term recovery groups.  But what makes the DSAT unique is that it continues to operate under the Citizen Corps umbrella.  While other long-term recovery groups assemble only after a disaster has occurred and then eventually disband, DSAT remains active, involving its members in working together and strengthening relationships.

Full list of 2010 Achievement Award Winners