Medina residents will learn how neighborhoods can respond to fire, injuries, and leaking natural gas during a disaster at a meeting at 7 p.m. May 18 at St. Thomas Great Hall.

Organizers say disasters, by definition, are events that overwhelm police, fire, and medical 911 emergency responders. The goal of the meeting is to help people organize a timely response to disaster when 911 is unavailable.

The meeting will help people learn a 9-step neighborhood response plan that helps them – both at home and in the neighborhood – respond to injuries, leaking natural gas, and assisting people who may be alone and frightened. It also will help identify the skills and equipment each neighbor has that are useful in an effective and timely disaster response. The meeting also will help people map their neighborhood’s natural gas meters and propane tank locations, allowing quick response to leaking gas and reducing the threat of fire.

More information is available from Kris Finnigan at kfinnigan@medina-wa.gov.