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Associations Respond to LA Wildfires

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Two Associations Unite to Support Members and Communities in Crisis

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the recent Los Angeles wildfires has left a significant impact on countless Americans. In the face of such natural disasters, associations must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Lowell Aplebaum, FASAE, CAE, the founder of Vista Cova, outlined various disaster-response strategies that organizations can implement. These strategies range from offering a year of membership to members directly impacted by a crisis to collaborating with local components to provide assistance.

Aplebaum emphasized the importance of targeting geographic locations within an association’s community to ensure effective aid distribution, even in the absence of formal structures.

Associations have tailored their disaster responses based on their respective focuses. For instance, the American Humane Society played a crucial role in transporting pets out of harm’s way during the LA wildfires. Meanwhile, hospitality industry associations have organized fundraisers and facilitated accommodations for evacuees.

Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists had developed a disaster-response plan to support its members. This plan was recently utilized in response to the LA wildfires, allowing technologists to extend certification deadlines in affected areas where in-person testing is necessary.

AAGLA swiftly established a website offering rental housing listings to aid those affected by the crisis.

Liana Watson, DM, R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS)(ARRT), RDMS, VRT, FASRT, PMP, ICE-CCP, CAE, CEO of ARRT, highlighted their consistent approach to extending deadlines for registrants in disaster-declared regions based on FEMA alerts. This proactive measure ensures that individuals have the necessary flexibility to maintain certifications and meet submission deadlines.

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The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA) promptly leveraged its member database to create a website featuring rental housing listings in affected areas. With the support of their national federation, AAGLA managed to launch the site within a week by promptly engaging members.

Matthew Farghum, CFO and Director of Operations at AAGLA, highlighted the rapid development process, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and user-friendliness. Jeremy Minnick, CEO of Cedar Custom Software Solutions, echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for intuitive tools to facilitate ease of use.

Farghum underscored the significance of proactive preparation for future crises, emphasizing the value of prior IT upgrades, streamlined processes, and established protocols in enabling swift responses.

As associations continue to navigate potential crises, readiness and collaboration remain key to effectively supporting members and communities in times of need.

The original post “Associations Respond to LA Wildfires” was first published on Elite League.

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