08-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County │ Annex B: Protective Actions 14 3.1.9.7 Unhoused Populations People who are experiencing homelessness may have limited resources to evacuate, stockpile food, store medications, and shelter-in-place. Messages communicated through mainstream media sources may not reach them, because many of these individuals have no access to radio, television, or the internet. Some may be illiterate or have limited English proficiency, so written communication may also be ineffective with this population. The most common form of communication in this population is word-of-mouth, leading to the spread of inaccurate rumors and misunderstandings that may have serious consequences during an emergency. Some homeless people have access to cell phones. However, their use of this technology is based on limited minutes and access to charging. Jurisdictions should coordinate outreach teams, drivers, and accessible vehicles in advance and assign them to specific designations as soon as possible to prevent delays during a potentially small window of time. Mobilizing outreach team members who are familiar with culturally appropriate methods for interacting sensitively, effectively, and professionally with unhoused persons from diverse backgrounds and lifestyle preferences will increase the success of the outreach. Involving service providers who regularly work with homeless populations for assisting in emergency notifications of accessible, culturally appropriate messaging will better ensure effective communication outreach and successful engagement. Often, local homeless service providers can quickly and effectively communicate the emergency to homeless individuals concentrated near their facilities and deploy outreach teams to notify other homeless people dispersed throughout the community. Outreach teams making notifications can also transport people to shelters or designated pickup points for evacuation. Outreach teams employed by homeless service providers are familiar with homeless communities, have established trust and credibility, and are better able to negotiate with individuals who might resist or not fully comprehend the reasoning for the evacuation efforts. 3.1.10 OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 3.1.10.1 Household Pets and Service Animals Fifty-three percent of Minnesota households have pets, which includes a variety of animal species, and populations who are evacuating should bring their animals with them. If they are not able to bring their animals, a significant percentage of the population may not leave. During evacuation and re-entry operations, animals require tracking, embarkation, transportation, debarkation, care, feeding, husbandry/waste removal, veterinary support, and sheltering support. When feasible, animals should remain with their owners during transport. By law, service animals—and, in some cases, assistance animals—must always remain with the owner. During a disaster or emergency, the County or municipality will support to the best of its ability the movement of evacuees transporting companion animals provided residents are able to evacuate their pets in a manner that does not threaten the safety or welfare of other evacuees. The care and safety of livestock remain the primary responsibility of the owner during an emergency or disaster but will be supported as resources allow. The County or municipality may coordinate the use of municipal buildings or school facilities as shelters for impacted persons if conditions warrant it. In addition, the County or municipality may establish