Community Context Of Practice In My Narration As A Human SER

COMMUNITY CONTEXT OF PRACTICE IN MY NARRATION AS A HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONAL

In my narration as a human services professional, I want to admit that this particular job requires a lot of passion and determination as it primarily seeks to assist others in several dimensions, ranging from simple cases to very complicated cases. As a human service professional, I have served in various disaster-prone areas within the USA, and in this assignment, I would focus on the recent disaster of Hurricane Harvey that struck the Gulf Coast, comprising Texas and Louisiana, on August 25th, 2017 (Dickerson, 2017).

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Hurricane Harvey was one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit the Gulf Coast, severely impacting communities in Texas and Louisiana. As a member of the American Red Cross disaster response team, I participated in relief efforts, which involved coordinating resources, providing immediate assistance to displaced residents, and assessing long-term community recovery needs. This experience underscored the importance of organized human services and the role community-based organizations play in disaster resilience and recovery.

Demographically, prior to Hurricane Harvey, the Gulf Coast's population was approximately 320,000 residents, with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The hurricane resulted in the tragic loss of 63 lives, several of which were caused by rapid flooding and hazardous conditions, such as contaminated air and water. An emergency involving a family of six was a poignant reminder of the hazards posed by such disasters, with their vehicle being swept away by floodwaters (CBS news, 2017). Additionally, over 30,000 individuals were displaced, requiring temporary shelter, while critical infrastructure, including power supplies, was severely damaged, leaving about 200,000 residents without electricity. In total, efforts by the Red Cross and partner organizations helped assist approximately 246,000 residents recover from the hurricane's impacts.

Analyzing the historical issues impacting community resilience reveals that hurricanes are recurrent threats in the Gulf Coast, primarily due to geographical and climatic factors. The region's proximity to warm Gulf waters—where sea temperatures often exceed 27°C—further exacerbates hurricane formation and intensity (FEMA, 2017). Historically, hurricanes like Katrina in 2005 have demonstrated the region's vulnerability, emphasizing that such disasters are unlikely to be entirely preventable but manageable through preparedness and effective response strategies. The geographical location of the Gulf Coast, situated in the southern hemisphere of the North American continent, combined with high sea temperatures and seasonal climatic factors, predisposes this area to recurrent cyclone activity.

The slow initial response to hurricane warnings also played a role in exacerbating the disaster's impact, highlighting the importance of timely, coordinated information dissemination. Meteorological services issued warnings that were not always effectively communicated or heeded by residents, which underscores a need for enhanced early-warning communication mechanisms (Moravec, 2017). This historical context urges ongoing community awareness campaigns and robust response planning to mitigate future disaster impacts.

The utility of existing community websites, such as the Texas Disaster Preparedness website, became evident during the hurricane. Managed by state authorities, this platform provided regular updates, safety notices, and resource information. During Hurricane Harvey, I primarily relied on this website for situational updates, which proved valuable in coordinating rescue efforts. However, the website's limitations—such as its narrow focus on one state—highlight the need for cross-border communication channels, especially as hurricanes often affect multiple states and regions simultaneously (West, 2001). Improving interoperability among neighboring state websites and integrating real-time data sharing could enhance community preparedness and response efficiency.

To optimize communication and information dissemination, several improvements are necessary. First, meteorological agencies, in partnership with federal and state governments, should establish a unified, multilingual information hub accessible via mobile devices and social media. This platform would provide real-time updates, safety alerts, evacuation routes, and resource availability. Second, community-driven features—such as a reporting tool allowing residents to post emergency-related observations—can facilitate localized, immediate reporting which authorities can incorporate into their response plans. Such decentralization can foster community engagement, enhance situational awareness, and coordinate resource allocation more effectively.

Furthermore, leveraging technology for community resilience involves deploying platforms that facilitate collaboration across different stakeholders—government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and volunteers. These platforms should be accessible, user-friendly, and designed to cater to diverse populations, including non-English speakers and persons with disabilities (Fischer, 2017). Implementing these improvements would foster a more resilient community infrastructure capable of addressing future disasters more efficiently.

Recruitment strategies for stakeholder involvement in disaster preparedness initiatives should be diverse and inclusive. Stakeholders include local residents, community leaders, emergency responders, health services, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions. Strategies include holding town hall meetings to foster trust and transparency, utilizing social media campaigns to reach younger populations, and collaborating with community-based organizations to identify vulnerable groups (Fung et al., 2015). These strategies should be accompanied by clear messaging about the importance of each stakeholder's role in disaster resilience. Moreover, engaging community members in planning and decision-making processes enhances buy-in and collective efficacy, leading to more effective preparedness and response efforts.

Effective communication is fundamental to professional human services practice. It requires maintaining a tone that is respectful, empathetic, and culturally sensitive, acknowledging the diverse background of stakeholders. Clear, concise, and jargon-free language ensures accessibility, particularly during crises when clarity is essential. Consistent and transparent communication builds trust and fosters cooperation among stakeholders, ultimately strengthening community resilience in the face of disasters (Bryson et al., 2014).

References

• Fischer, L. (2017). Leveraging technology for disaster resilience. Journal of Emergency Management, 15(4), 273-283.
• FEMA. (2017). Hurricane Harvey Aftermath: Community Vulnerabilities and Preparedness. Federal Emergency Management Agency Reports.
• Fung, A., Graham, M., & Wutich, A. (2015). Deepening Stakeholder Engagement for Disaster Preparedness. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 25(1), 139-159.
• Moravec, E. R. (2017). Texas officials: Hurricane Harvey death toll at 82, ‘Mass casualties have absolutely not happened’. The Washington Post.
• West, D. M. (2001). State and federal e-government in the United States, 2001. Public Administration Review, 61(4), 414-422.
• CBS News. (2017). Death toll bumps up to at least 63 amid Hurricane Harvey recovery. CBS News.
• Dickerson, A. M. (2017). Hurricane Harvey and the Houston Housing Market. Texas Law Review Online, 96, 102.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2017). Recommended Seismic Design Criteria for New Steel Moment-frame Buildings. FEMA 350.
• Cross, R. (2011). American Red Cross. Washington, DC: National Publishing House.
• Dulles, F. R. (1950). The American Red Cross: A History. Harper & Brothers.