Western Upper Peninsula Community Organizations Active in Disaster

What is a COAD?

COAD stands for Community Organizations Active in Disasters. A COAD is a local group of community organizations - nonprofits, service or civic groups, faith-based organizations, etc., that works in concert with partner government agencies, particularly the local emergency management and social service departments, during all stages of a disaster to coordinate and enhance emergency human services. Their efforts can increase the response time and effectiveness of emergency assistance to meet the needs of disaster survivors quickly, reducing negative impacts to our community and helping us bounce back stronger than ever.

What is the Western UP COAD?

The Western Upper Peninsula COAD coordinates planning efforts of many Community organizations who would potentially respond to a disaster. Member organizations provide more effective and less duplication in service by getting together before disasters strike.

Why get involved?

As a community organization in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you can help prepare the community for disasters and provide much needed assistance to community members if an event occurs. Having a coalition of organizations as diverse as our community helps us better understand and meet everyone's needs. As a part of the COAD group, your organization and its members receive specialized training to better prepare you to respond collaboratively and effectively during a disaster. 

With a strong and organized COAD, the Western UP will have more resources to respond to a disaster or event that occurs in our community, adding to our community's preparedness and resiliency.

COAD Meetings

The COAD meets quarterly. Fill out the interest form to find out more about attending meetings or contact the WUPCOAD Chair and American Red Cross Community Volunteer Lead Sam Tidwell at sam.tidwell2@redcross.org