Throughout the USA it has been determined that creating connected, resilient neighborhoods is key to effective emergency response and recovery for a community. It has also been demonstrated that strong connections between neighbors improves the overall well-being of a community. This was the inspiration for the Los Altos Community Foundation (LACF) to start the Block Action Team (BAT) and Los Altos PREPARE programs.
Block Action Team
A Block Action Team (BAT) is a group of neighbors who want to work together to prepare for disasters, prevent crime, look out for seniors involve youth and, of course, socialize. Each BAT will be headed up by a volunteer BAT Leader whose primary role is to know the neighbors and households within his/her block. A BAT Leader will define his/her own block which is typically between 15 and 50 households.
Los Altos PREPARE
The Los Altos PREPARE program will provide BAT Leaders with the information and training they need to help improve their neighborhood’s emergency preparedness and its ability to respond and recover from a major disaster such as an earthquake. In addition BATs will learn how to implement crime prevention and safety techniques, and how to promote social interaction through block parties and other activities.
We invite you to organize a Block Action Team for your neighborhood. To get started, complete the online Block Action Team Leader Training Session form and join us at one of our several sessions where we describe how to get your BAT started. You can always email us at info@losaltosbat.org with your questions.