The
Benton City COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) was formed after
a June 2000 wildfire burned a dozen homes and many more outbuildings in the
city. This disaster came four years after the Yakima River spilled over its
banks flooding nearly 25 percent of the city causing severe damage to private
property, roadways, and utilities. COADs can help a community make the best use of its resources in a disaster. They are effective because local organizations are in the best position to mobilize and bring practical and timely assistance to disaster victims. It stands then, that the mission of a COAD is to organize and deploy community resources, in an effective and timely manner, in response to the needs of community disaster survivors.
The
Benton City COAD has committed to assist the community before, during, and after
a disaster. They believe that local citizens are in the best position to provide
immediate relief and support. And in the process of recovery, the COAD will be
around long after other outside agencies have left the area.
Before a disaster strikes, the COAD focuses on emergency preparedness education along with developing a data base of local resources that can be called upon in response to a disaster.
During the disaster, the COAD is tasked with staffing an information center for residents, maintaining effective communications using telephones and various bulletin boards, and distributing food, water and other resources.
After the disaster, the COAD can assist with cleanup, provide information about what disaster assistance is available, and share information on local resources.
The COAD meets at 7 p.m. on the last Monday of every other month (odd months) at the Benton County Fire Protection District 2’s station in Benton City. Interested residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate. Additional information can be obtained by calling the COAD at (509) 588-5848.