Pasadena participates in emergency planning group

The Houston Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Initiative and the Houston Urban Area Security Initiative recently joined together to host a planning seminar to focus on the incorporation of unique requirements of individuals with functional and access needs in all areas of emergency planning.

Bringing leaders together from emergency management and disability communities, this event focused on building partnerships, increasing resilience and identifying Functional Needs Support Services best practices. The group also reviewed the Texas FNSS tool kit, a document designed to assist emergency planners in understanding the requirements related to sheltering and serving those who have access and functional needs. Attendees and speakers included local advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations and local and state emergency officials, according to a press release.

"Incorporating the needs of residents with functional and access needs continues to be a challenge in the way Houston plans for emergencies," said Sharon Nalls, the emergency management coordinator for the City of Houston, in a press release. "Seminars like this are important, bringing these various groups to the table, helping us prepare to serve all residents, regardless of their individual needs."