An expansive web site created by the Public Health-Seattle & King County Advanced Practice Center describes a collaboration between the health department and community-based organizations to prevent diverse groups from being disproportionately affected during an emergency. The web site is divided into sections that guide users through preparing for the communications needs of at-risk populations. The "Planning" section includes information on organizing a team, defining populations, and developing a strategic action plan. The section on "Knowing your Audience" addresses the assessment phase of collecting information about vulnerable populations and the organizations that serve them. Finally, the "Building Relationships" section focuses on building strong partnerships with community-based organizations and developing the ability to communicate with them before, during, and after an emergency.
The web site contains a variety of sample documents and tools to help other organizations save time and resources during their communications planning efforts. The home page showcases a helpful 5-minute video on emergency preparedness that is geared toward community-based organizations. The home page also provides a summary grid of the most useful areas (e.g., focus groups, mapping, mini-grants, ethnic media) in which an organization can begin to establish relationships with community agencies. Materials include a diverse array of tools for conducting focus groups with non-English proficient communities; communications training for organizations that serve at-risk individuals; and sample surveys for defining and communicating with at-risk populations. In addition, the site details specific case studies from emergency planning leaders around the country, which illustrate effective communication and collaboration techniques with community-based organizations and at-risk populations.