Austin Resilience Network (ARN)
Austin Resilience Network
The Austin Resilience Network (ARN) is comprised of city and community resources that equitably empower individuals to prepare for, endure, and bounce back stronger from community-wide shocks, stressors, and emergencies. The ARN is the next phase of Austin’s resilience efforts.
The ARN’s goal is to connect communities and public resources to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The ARN creates a flexible model to enhance resilience across Austin, with a focus on equity and involvement of community partners.
This initiative builds on the Resilience Hubs pilot program by expanding its capacity and adaptability.
History
The Austin Resilience Network has evolved from the Resilience Hub Pilot, building on the lessons learned through the initial program.
On April 8, 2021, through adoption of Council Resolution No. 20210408-028 was created, giving the City Manager direction to create a network of Resilience Hubs with the City. The Office of Resilience, Office of Sustainability, HSEM, Austin Public Health, Austin Fire Department, Economic Development, and Equity Office have worked together to coordinate the planning and implementation of Resilience Hubs leading to a pilot project that tested City-owned facilities as hubs for resilience resources, education and support.
The Resilience Hub pilot included City-owned facilities that offer services and support for the community before, during, and after a disaster. The pilot helped us to identify a need to grow beyond limited static locations into a more robust network of facilities, people and organizations.
The pilot program focused on City-owned facilities in six areas around Austin The focus areas were selected through input from residents and collaboration with community organizations.
Partners
City departments, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community based organizations (CBOs) make up the Austin Resilience Network.
During emergencies, partner agencies will have direct communication with emergency managers via HSEM’s Mass Care team, to streamline the sharing of information and resources to meet community needs.
Throughout the year, partner agencies will have regular meetings with HSEM.
Apply to Join the Austin Resilience Network
Organizations that want to become part of the ARN can fill out an application. Once completed, a member of HSEM’s Mass Care team will be in touch. Becoming a partner of the ARN is a meaningful way to serve the community through direct resource and information sharing during a disaster.
Benefits for Austin Resilience Network Partners
During an emergency, ARN partner organizations will have direct communication with local emergency managers via HSEM’s Mass Care team to stay informed and share community needs.
Partner organizations will be able to participate in Coordination Calls during emergencies. When the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated and Mass Care needs are expected, these calls will connect ARN partners with emergency managers. ARN partners can also access the Mass Care Hotline, a direct line of communication with HSEM for urgent needs or questions. These lines of communication are a new way for community organizations to connect directly with HSEM.
These streamlined resources will benefit the community by facilitating more coordinated disaster response and recovery efforts.
ARN Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the relationship between the ARN and Resilience Hubs?
A. The ARN initiative builds on the lessons of the Resilience Hubs pilot project, and expands its capacity and adaptability. The ARN addresses the limitations of individual, physical hubs by fostering broader community partnerships that connect needs with existing resources.Q. What is the status of the Resilience Hub physical locations?
A. Physical locations will continue to provide resources and serve as shelters when needed. As part of the original Resilience Hubs pilot, several locations received enhancements such as backup electric power and stocks of disaster supplies to aid in Mass Care. Those physical locations are City-owned and operated, and will remain completely functional.Q. What is the relationship between HSEM Mass Care and the ARN?
A. HSEM's Mass Care team coordinates the ARN with a variety of City departments, government agencies, non-profits, and community based organizations. HSEM Mass Care serves as the contact point for organizations, and manages Mass Care support for the City of Austin.Q. What does the ARN mean for the public?
A. Members of the community benefit from streamlined communications between the organizations and City departments that serve and represent the public before, during, and after a disaster.Q. What can community members do to become more resilient and prepared for disasters?
A. Members of the public can learn about preparing for emergencies at www.ReadyCentralTexas.org .
