About Us
The Sarasota COAD works year-round to encourage relationships while breaking down barriers that impede the sharing of resources for a common mission following a disaster.
What brought the COAD together, and its purpose
The Sarasota Community Organizations Active in Disaster (Sarasota COAD) was created after participating in the response and recovery effort of Hurricane Charley. Since the challenges of Hurricane Charley and Katrina, the Sarasota COAD works year-round to encourage relationships while breaking down barriers that impede the sharing of resources for a common mission following a disaster.
In addition, organizations engage community leaders in discussions to document the lessons learned and to review the potential the community has to foster partnerships and to streamline processes to support Sarasota County Emergency Management if and when a hurricane disaster hits Sarasota County. The Sarasota COAD continually prepares for an all-hazard response which includes pandemics, terrorism, natural disasters, mass causalities and others.
COAD Mission
To foster effective, streamlined service delivery to people affected by disaster, while eliminating unnecessary duplication of effort, through cooperation in the four phases of a disaster: preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Long Term Recovery Committee
The Sarasota COAD has been designated by Sarasota County as the responsible entity for individual long-term recovery.
The Long-Term Recovery Committee consists of key disaster organizations that coordinates the efforts among community human service and housing agencies in addressing the unmet needs of families and individuals.
COAD in Action
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Brings together government and community leaders for emergency preparedness and resilience.
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Recruits non-profit, business, and community organizations to serve in disaster planning, response, recovery and mitigation.
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Serves in the Health and Human Services Operation Center following a disaster—receives requests for assistance and contacts organizations that can help.
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Holds educational workshops for all organizations, including drills.
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Provides displays and literature about disaster preparation.
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Provides speakers to organizations about disaster preparation.
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Supports families and individuals in their long-term recovery.
Meet Our Leadership Team
COAD CHAIR
John Livingston
Consultant
Tom Higginbotham
Florida Department of Health
Anne Miller
Sarasota County Emergency Management
Sarasota County Human Services
Steve Guetschow
Janet Kahn
Early Learning Coalition
Tom Phaff
President of Ministerial Association
