New Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative

Neighbors helping neighbors during emergency response and recovery efforts.

Neighborhood Emergency Assistance Team (NEAT)

Why Create this Group? Over the past couple of years, we have seen cities in our region impacted by extreme weather events, like the flooding in Asheville and the enormous ice storm in Nashville as well as significant storm damage right here in North Chatt. In times like these, neighbors can be a tremendous resource for each other while waiting for official Emergency Responders.

Group Purpose: To create a network that can readily call upon neighborhood resources to provide help to our North Chatt neighbors during emergency situations, like natural & man-made disasters. This system will help us more easily check on and support neighbors who may have greater needs during emergency situations, as well as more easily call upon neighborhood resources (skills & equipment) to help with recovery efforts while waiting for Emergency Responders. 

Time Commitment: Initial stages will require 2 - 4 meetings over a 3 - 6 month timeframe to agree upon neighborhood zones, develop emergency response plans, recruit Zone Captains, and receive emergency preparedness training.Zone Captains will be asked to make contact with neighbors w/in the zone to assess needs and resources (NCNA will provide template & materials). After initial stages, time requirements will be sporadic, mostly needed during times of emergency response. Perhaps meeting annually thereafter. 

First Meeting: We will be hosting our first meeting September 20 @ 3 pm at 401 Tucker St.

Make plans to join!

Initial Development Stages 

1. Define & agree upon the scope of the group

2. Create Neighborhood Zones

3. Develop Neighborhood Emergency Response Plan (customize plan based on the Knoxville Emergency Preparedness Neighborhood Guide)

4. Recruit Zone Captains

5. Identify Neighborhood Care Sites

6. Additional Thoughts and Ideas Welcomed