STUDENTS BUILD SHELTER FOR CREDIT IN OREGON
At HT2, we follow a number of emergency management sites on the internet and regularly receive updates from a variety or subject matter experts. Late in January, I received an update from FEMA that spoke to a unique partnership in Oregon, wherein the emergency management community partnered with their local school to offer CTE credits to students who contributed to the creation of a shelter for supplies on Oregon's coast.
Here is the article:
Students Build Shelter for Credit
High school seniors at Neah-Kah-Nie High School (NKNHS) in Rockaway Beach, OR, recently built an emergency supplies shed and shelter for the Tillamook County Public Works Department (PWD). The 10-foot by 14-foot structure will be used as shelter for disaster relief responders in Tillamook and Umatilla Counties, helping to add to community resilience. The project taught students valuable skills about preparedness and rewarded their hard work with earned Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits.
The 12-week-long construction project began when Tillamook PWD officials discussed the project with school officials and offered to work together through providing supplies for the shelter if students were interested in participating in the building and learning process. Two seniors decided this opportunity would be a meaningful way to complete their required senior project.
One of the two, 17-year-old Luis Perez, spoke about his experience participating with the project, "We didn't just start grabbing hammers and nailing things together. We went over safety precautions and planning." Luis went on to say, "Overall it was fun to help out my community with a project that is so important to it."
"If disaster strikes in Tillamook County, Umatilla emergency personnel fly in to help and they'll need a safe place to stay," said PWD Director Liane Welch. "Instead of simply buying a ready-made shed to fit this need, why not get the kids involved?" Welch asked her team. She added, "I think it's a really good partnership between the public, the school system, and emergency management."
"Living on the Oregon coast, we are at risk for being hit by earthquakes and tsunamis, so building a strong shed that could withstand these risks was very important," Luis added. "I was really glad that I could use my skills to help out my community."
The structure doubles as both a supplies shed and shelter for Umatilla County disaster relief officials, according to Director Welch. The shed has room for up to four people. It holds two weeks' worth of supplies, including camping equipment, non-perishable food, water, sleeping bags, cots, and a shower.
To learn more about the project, contact Director Liane Welch, Public Works Department, Tillamook County at lwelch@co.tillamook.or.us.
The completed Tillamook County Public Works Department emergency supplies shed and shelter.
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