Kane County Launches “Disaster Ready Kane” to Strengthen Community Disaster Recovery

Earlier this month, the Kane County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) convened the first meeting of a new disaster recovery committee — a collaborative network of nonprofits, community organizations, houses of worship, businesses, and government agencies united to help Kane County residents recover from disasters such as tornadoes, floods, and fires.

Tentatively named “Disaster Ready Kane,” the group will coordinate existing resources to assist with mass care and emergency sheltering, damage assessment, debris removal, emotional and spiritual care, volunteer coordination, donations management, home and business repairs, financial assistance, and public outreach.

“This new collaboration is needed to help people impacted by a potential disaster get back to normal as quickly as possible,” said Scott Buziecki, Kane County Director of Emergency Management. “The sooner that people are back in their homes, businesses reopen, and people get back to work, the healthier our local economy will be.”

The committee’s first meeting included representatives from United Way (Fox Valley and Batavia chapters), the University of Illinois Extension-Kane County Office, a local house of worship, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), OEM, and members of the Kane County Board.

As the effort moves forward, Buziecki is seeking additional organizations to join the leadership team and help establish the group’s mission, by-laws, and formal agreements. “I would love to have involvement from a business leader to help lead the group and make sure that private-sector interests are well-represented,” Buziecki added.

To learn more about Disaster Ready Kane, contact Scott Buziecki at (630) 232-5986 or BuzieckiScott@KaneCountyIL.gov.