After the eastern Nebraska "Arbor Day Tornadoes of 2024," the Douglas County Health Department partnered with the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, Three Rivers Public Health Department, and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services on tornado impact surveys to better understand how the disaster affected individuals, families, and neighborhoods.
County health says the surveys provided insights into the effectiveness of early warning systems and emergency preparedness efforts and provided recommendations on actions needed to better prepare for future disasters.
The initial report, completed last fall, was shared with government and non-governmental entities around the community to improve future preparedness and response efforts.
Now, one year later, the same team launches a second round of surveys to assess ongoing recovery efforts and identify new or emerging needs in the affected areas.
Survey teams will be in Douglas County May 5th and 6th with a possible follow-up May 9th in the Waterloo, Elkhorn, and Bennington areas.
Survey participation is voluntary and confidential
More information is available at:
unmc.edu/publichealth/research/multidisciplinaryprograms/wch/research/rapid-needs-assessment
(Picture from Omaha+Sarpy Weather)