“I am reading the civil safety plan signed by you and nowhere do I see what the presidents of the apartment buildings requested – specific points on how communities should prepare, what to do. Training, meetings, and communication are needed. Funding is intended and shelters are created only in those housing associations that are administered by “Rokiškis komunalininkas”. Does the municipality care less about almost 100 multi-apartment communities?” – council member Raimonda Stankevičiūtė-Vilimienė asked district mayor Ramūnas Godeliauskas.
The mayor bluntly stated that his and the council member’s opinions on this matter will never agree: “You mentioned that no one communicates with the residents of apartment buildings, but that is absolutely not true. We thank “Rokiškis Kommunalininkas” for the quick approach and very quick communication in arranging the premises that can be used as shelters. In the same way, every house that has such questions is contacted. It cannot be said that the central authorities are doing nothing. It does, and a lot. We are waiting for the requirements for shelters in apartment buildings, what they should look like. A separate fund has been created, part of the funds in the municipal budget will be used for the fund administered by the Ministry of the Interior. There is a mechanism in place, but the acceptance of applications for the renewal and installation of shelters and shelters has not yet been published. Funding will be there, as well as all the theoretical material – what to do, how to behave, etc. That measure is implemented by the Ministry of National Defense. Huge quantities of material have been prepared and already started to be distributed. First of all, Vilnius regions are provided, and later the information will reach other regions as well.”
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Article What will the municipality do to increase shelters in the district? Gimtasis Rokiškis is placed.
Interview: Editor of Time.news (E) and Civil Safety Expert (C)
E: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with [Expert’s Name], a specialist in urban civil safety planning. Thank you for joining us!
C: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such an important topic.
E: Let’s dive into it. Recently, we received some feedback regarding the civil safety plan that you’ve been involved in. Many residents, particularly from various apartment communities, feel that their specific needs aren’t being addressed. What’s your perspective on that?
C: That’s a vital concern. The reality is that the effectiveness of a civil safety plan hinges on its inclusiveness. The feedback you mentioned reflects a gap in communication and perhaps a misalignment between the planners and community expectations.
E: Indeed! One of the pressing points raised by residents is the lack of clear protocols on community preparedness. Why do you think these specific guidelines were absent in the plan?
C: Often, when it comes to planning at the municipal level, there can be a tendency to prioritize overarching strategies over localized needs. However, it’s crucial that every community, especially multi-apartment buildings, has tailored guidance and resources to prepare for emergencies.
E: You mentioned tailored guidance, which brings us to training and meetings. How essential are these components in fostering community resilience?
C: Absolutely critical! Regular training sessions and community meetings help foster a culture of preparedness. They empower residents by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to act efficiently and safely in emergencies.
E: There’s also the issue of funding and the establishment of shelters. It seems there’s a perception that only certain housing associations receive support. What can be done to ensure all communities, especially those not administered by “Rokiškis komunalininkas,” receive equal attention?
C: That’s an important point. It’s essential that the municipality actively engages with all housing associations, regardless of their management. Funding should be allocated based on need, and there should be mechanisms in place to ensure that all communities have access to the resources they require for safety.
E: So, what can residents do if they feel their needs are being overlooked?
C: Residents should take the initiative by forming community groups to express their concerns collectively. They can request meetings with local governance to advocate for their needs and push for inclusivity in planning processes.
E: As we conclude, what would your message be to municipalities regarding community safety planning?
C: My message would be clear: Effective civil safety planning requires active involvement from the communities it serves. Ensure that communication is open, needs are actively solicited, and funding is distributed equitably among all communities. Safety is a collective responsibility!
E: Thank you, [Expert’s Name], for your insights today. It’s clear there’s a lot of work to do, but with proactive communication and cooperation, we can bolster community resilience together.
C: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a safer, more prepared future for all communities.
E: And thank you to our audience for joining us on Time.news. Stay informed and engaged!