This research investigates how community-based organizations are involved in emergency management and storm response and recovery in island communities in Maine. Results will help identifying potential barriers to involving these organizations, a key first step to including more of the community in management, response, and recovery, and to increasing local climate resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As climate change progresses, impacts such as sea level rise and the increased severity and frequency of storms are expected to have severe consequences for coastal communities. Island communities in particular are at risk as they are some of the first places to feel these impacts thanks to their location beyond the edge of the coast and exposure to the ocean. Isolation and often small populations add to island vulnerability.\u00a0\u00a0
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To help increase the local emergency response capacity of communities, FEMA published The Whole Community Approach framework in 2011. The framework promotes the inclusion of community groups not traditionally considered as emergency services in emergency management and response. These organizations often have communication networks, infrastructure, and personnel that can supplement traditional emergency services during a storm or other crisis event. To understand how the principals and themes of the framework are applied during a real crisis event, and what barriers may exist to involving community-based organizations in emergency management, the following research questions are asked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This research consist of interviews currently being conducted with Town\/emergency professionals and responders, and members of community-based organizations in three Maine Island communities; Matinticus, North Haven, and Vinalhaven Islands. The project researchers partnered with the Island Institute to make connections in the island communities and recruit interviewees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The expected thesis defence date is spring 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lead researcher: Skye Howard, master\u2019s student | (207) 546-6488 | skye.howard@uri.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n