ADA National Network Learning Session: Looking at power issues from 2 perspectives: a utility and the American Red Cross

ADA National Network Learning Session: Looking at power issues from 2 perspectives: a utility and the American Red Cross

9th April, 2015

Loss of power remains an acute and complex emergency threat for those people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs whose margin of resilience is dependent on power and thus are they are disproportionately impacted. This webinar covers existing, new and emerging protective practices, misconceptions, ongoing challenges and preparedness issues from two perspectives: a public utility and the American Red Cross.

Presenters:

  • Michael Edwards is the Regional Mass Care Manager for the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region (covering Los Angeles, Inyo and Mono Counties and the eastern portion of Kern County). He leads and provides guidance to a primarily all-volunteer work force in supporting local, county and state governments in the delivery and support of mass care services -- including emergency sheltering, emergency feeding, the distribution of disaster relief supplies and emergency notification during and after disasters. He builds teams of trained, skilled volunteers with real-life experiences to expand the program. He also is a subject matter expert in planning, exercising and drilling on these topics and is a member of numerous task forces and workgroups in the region addressing these vital areas.
  • Paul Hernandez is the Emergency Management Coordinator with the Emergency Management Department for the City of Los Angeles. Most recently, Mr. Hernandez was the Project Officer for the City's ADA mitigation project. This multi-year project was developed to ensure the City's emergency preparedness programs are inclusive for all residents. He has also been the Special Project Coordinator for the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, Economic Development Deputy for Los Angeles Council District 14, and Associate Director of Homeland Security and Public Safety for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Mayor Eric Garcetti. Mr. Hernandez received his Bachelor of Science from Woodbury University, and his Executive Master of Leadership from the University of Southern California in May 2015.
  • Enrique Hernandez is currently the Lead Emergency Management Coordinator for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Mr. Hernandez oversees the overall coordination of the Department's emergency preparedness, planning, training, response, and recovery efforts before and during emergency incidents. Prior to his time at LADWP, Enrique served as an Emergency Management Coordinator at the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department's Training and Exercise Division, and as an Emergency Management Coordinator at the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, responsible for the coordination of citywide mass care operations.

Handouts:

Contact the Pacific ADA Center if you need access to this recording.