08-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County | Base Plan 61 Maple Grove Skywarn, and Bloomington Skywarn. Each of these are scheduled on a two-week rotating basis. When severe weather is imminent in Ramsey County, RCEMHS is activated to monitor the weather and impacts of weather on critical lifelines. RCEMHS staff gather the intelligence from the public safety agencies in the county and communicates that information to the other jurisdictions in the region. NWS Weather Support for Events is also utilized. 6.4.3.2.2 County Government Alerting Ramsey County agencies subscribe to an automated multi-method alerting system. During an emergency, the system can be used to notify critical staff by land-line telephone, cellular phone, email, fax, and/or text message. Additionally, the system allows for selection of a geographic area by which land-line phones of the public can be notified. 6.4.3.2.3 Health Alert Network (HAN) The director of SPRCPH is responsible for all warning and emergency notifications to health service providers in Ramsey County. This responsibility has been delegated to the coordinator of Ramsey County’s HAN. This is an internal notification tool only and does not send information to the public. 6.4.4 CONSIDERATIONS FOR DIVERSE POPULATIONS It is critical to ensure that all populations living and working in or visiting Ramsey County have the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe. Universal access to effective communication is especially critical when communicating emergency messages. Receiving clear, understandable messaging is particularly critical for those who may be higher at risk. During an event, information and guidance may change and evolve. Without access to continually updated information, individuals at risk are not able to take the necessary steps to protect themselves. Many individuals who are disproportionately at risk and often are challenged in receiving communications include those with disabilities, access and functional needs, particularly persons with limited (or no) English proficiency and those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Considerations for informing these and other diverse populations, including those with limited digital access, such as the unhoused, must be taken to ensure fair, equitable and inclusive communications outreach. RCEMHS outreach to advocacy organizations, including use of the trusted messenger program, that support and provide accommodation to those from diverse populations and those who have functional vision or hearing disabilities, will help ensure the critical information is received in a culturally inclusive, competent manner. Local public and private sector partners that connect with and serve persons with limited English proficiency can assist in identifying potential resources and specialized outreach methods. Identifying the languages and dialects spoken by the diverse populations with limited English proficiency in the impacted communities needing translated information can be supported by community- and faith-based organizations. Additionally, community partners can help identify cultural attributes that may influence the receptiveness of the message and the willingness and ability of impacted persons to act in response to an alert and warning message. Public gathering spaces that serve persons with limited English proficiency, such as schools or local libraries that offer internet access or language access resources, can serve as valuable resources.