NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstate and The
Allstate Foundation lead efforts to create a better way for our
nation to manage catastrophes before they strike. As part of
Allstate's commitment to vigilant disaster response, The Allstate
Foundation collaborated with the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute,
in partnership with the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit
Organizations (LANO) to explore the recovery process and the
critical role of non-government organizations (NGOs) in disaster
preparedness and response.
The result of the conference is a five-part plan directing local
and national policymakers to integrate NGOs into emergency response
and recovery policies. The research group recommends immediate
action to:
- define and formalize NGO roles and responsibilities
- create guidance on allocation of resources and ensure priority
to local nonprofits who are pre-screened and approved to respond to
disasters
- increase community capacity to deliver seamless services
through NGO partnerships
- improve information exchange among organizations, government
agencies and community residents
- pursue a research agenda that focuses on evidence-based
implementation
"Allstate and The Allstate Foundation are leaders in catastrophe
response, and we are constantly looking for ways to better serve
local communities when they need us most – that's what the Good
Hands promise is all about," said Vicky
Dinges, vice president public social responsibility,
Allstate. "Not only do NGOs have a responsibility to help better
prepare and protect Americans, they also have the resources and
local knowledge to propel recovery from the front lines should a
disaster strike."
Research from the project shows that NGO participation helps
local authorities overcome common catastrophe response challenges
and move from recovery to revitalization. While there are few plans
that define their role, NGOs are uniquely positioned to deliver the
manpower, information, direct services and financial support needed
to build community resilience and weather a manmade or natural
disaster.
"Our charge to policy makers is to make connections within their
community, leverage the assets of NGOs and improve communication
before, during and after a crisis," said Retired Admiral
Thad Allen, National Incident
Commander, Deepwater Horizon Unified Command and a senior fellow at
the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization. "The
Allstate Foundation's work to revitalize neighborhoods in
post-Katrina New Orleans and their
experience with catastrophe preparedness has informed our research
and helped translate this research into action."
The Allstate Foundation works with local community organizations
and consumers year-round to help reduce the emotional and physical
damage of disasters, and prepare for swift recovery. Research of
catastrophe management, like the evaluation of the role of NGOs, is
critical to improve community resilience and restore people's
lives.
Separately, Allstate partners with ProtectingAmerica.org to
raise awareness, educate the public and policy makers and advance a
comprehensive, integrated solution that provides more protection at
a lower cost for consumers through a privately funded, government
sponsored nonprofit catastrophe fund.
Consumers should plan ahead to protect themselves, their
families, their homes and their businesses from damage during a
disaster. The first step to catastrophe preparation is to conduct
or update a home inventory to help speed your recovery after the
disaster passes.
Click here to download the full report.
For more information, visit www.allstatefoundation.org.
About The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent,
charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The
Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with
nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation
brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to
support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's
well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and
building financial independence for domestic violence survivors,
The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities;
tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For
more information, visit www.allstatefoundation.org.
SOURCE The Allstate Foundation