In this episode, Shoresides talks with Sarah Conlisk of Lyft about the data and how snow in the Carolinas brought first-time riders, trips to grocery stores and healthcare destinations and higher driver tips, along with other moments of community connectivity.

Learn about this work and about the Coastal Journalism Hub at http://www.coastaljournalism.org

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After a massive earthquake off Russia triggered a Pacific tsunami, people began asking: could a tsunami reach coastal North Carolina? In this episode of Shoresides, we talk with **Stephen Pfaff**, meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Service’s Wilmington office, about how tsunamis form, the real risk (or lack thereof) for our shores, and how preparedness — from early warning systems to public education — can make all the difference when seconds count.

We also explore how underwater geography, monitoring equipment, and interagency coordination shape our readiness — and what coastal communities and leaders can do now to stay safe.

Links:

8.8 magnitude earthquake latest: Volcano erupts in Russia, tsunami waves reach California

https://abcnews.go.com/US/tsunami-watch-issued-hawaii-after-80-magnitude-earthquake/story?id=124190121

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Three steps we can take to build resilience and foster community collaboration:

1. Advocate for Improved Stormwater Management

• Residents can attend town hall meetings and voice support for investments in stormwater infrastructure, including upgrading drainage systems, retention ponds, and permeable surfaces.

• Encourage local officials to apply for state and federal grants focused on flood mitigation.

2. Promote Community Flood Preparedness

• Form or join a local resilience task force to develop neighborhood-based flood preparedness plans.

• Organize workshops with local meteorologists and emergency managers to educate residents on flood insurance, evacuation procedures, and emergency supply kits.

3. Support Sustainable Land Use Policies

• Advocate for responsible zoning laws that limit development in low-lying, flood-prone areas.

• Encourage nature-based solutions like restoring wetlands, increasing green spaces, and maintaining coastal vegetation to absorb excess water.

• Partner with environmental organizations to monitor and maintain stormwater management systems.

Taking these steps would not only build resilience within the community but also foster collaboration between residents, policymakers, and environmental experts

Photographer: Callaghan O’Hare/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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How to Evaluate Broadband Access in Your Community: A 10-Step Guide for Local Leaders

Access to reliable and affordable broadband is essential for education, work, healthcare, and economic growth. Yet, many communities still struggle with slow speeds, high costs, and service gaps. If you’re a community leader looking to assess broadband access in your area, here’s how you can take action.

1. Start with a Listening Tour

Talk to residents, schools, businesses, and healthcare providers about their internet experience. Are there dead zones? Is service too expensive? Does it support remote work and learning? Gather real stories to guide your efforts.

2. Run a Community Speed Test Campaign

Encourage residents to test their internet speeds using tools like the FCC’s Speed Test app or Measurement Lab. This will help you compare actual performance against what providers advertise.

3. Identify Areas Without Service

Map out which neighborhoods have little or no broadband access. This may include rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, or places where providers claim to offer service but don’t.

4. Survey Households and Businesses

Create a simple online and paper survey asking residents about their internet provider, cost, reliability, and whether they feel their needs are being met. Schools and libraries can help distribute surveys.

5. Check Internet Affordability

Investigate broadband prices in your area and whether residents can afford them. See if people qualify for federal programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) but aren’t using them.

6. Meet with Internet Providers

Set up meetings with local broadband providers to discuss coverage gaps, speed concerns, and future expansion plans. Ask about any upcoming infrastructure upgrades or partnerships they might be open to.

7. Look for Funding Opportunities

Many state and federal grants exist to expand broadband access, such as the BEAD Program (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment). Work with local government or nonprofits to explore funding options.

8. Build a Coalition for Change

Bring together schools, businesses, healthcare organizations, and local government to advocate for better broadband. Strong partnerships can drive real improvements.

9. Push for Policy Changes

If outdated regulations or monopoly control are blocking better service, work with elected officials to explore policy solutions, such as municipal broadband or open-access networks.

10. Keep the Pressure On

Broadband expansion takes time. Keep tracking progress, sharing updates with your community, and holding providers and policymakers accountable until real improvements happen.

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Trauma-Informed Communication: 10 Essential Tips for Nonprofits

Educate Your Team: Ensure all staff understand trauma and its effects.

Empathic Language: Use language that validates feelings and experiences.

Clarity is Key: Provide clear, consistent, and accessible information.

Engage Community Voices: Involve survivors in shaping messaging.

Prioritize Safety: Create messaging that avoids triggering traumatic memories.

Focus on Strengths: Emphasize resilience and available support.

Tailor Communication: Adapt messages for diverse audiences and needs.

Use Multiple Channels: Distribute information via trusted platforms.

Foster Trust: Maintain transparency about recovery efforts.

Review and Adapt: Regularly assess and update communication strategies.

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10 Essential Tips for Children Coping with Storm Trauma

1. Share Your Feelings: Speak with a trusted adult about what you’re experiencing.
2. Maintain a Routine: A regular schedule can bring a sense of normalcy.
3. Express Yourself Creatively: Use drawing, writing, or music to show your emotions.
4. Practice Relaxation: Simple deep-breathing exercises can help ease stress.
5. Stay Active: Gentle physical activity can improve your mood.
6. Connect with Loved Ones: Spend time with family and friends who care for you.
7. Create a Safe Space: Arrange a small area at home where you feel secure.
8. Play as a Way to Heal: Enjoy playtime as it naturally helps process feelings.
9. Ask for Support: Reach out to teachers, counselors, or trusted adults when needed.
10. Be Patient: Understand that healing takes time and it’s okay to feel upset.

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10 Lessons Inspired by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Disaster recovery demands more than immediate relief. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) has shown how intentional funding and planning can strengthen communities. Here are ten takeaways inspired by their work:

1. Invest in Long-Term Recovery Emergency response is just the start. True recovery happens in the years that follow when rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and trust.
2. Support Underserved Communities Disasters often hit marginalized populations hardest. Prioritizing equity ensures no one is left behind.
3. Empower Local Leadership Local leaders know their communities best. Trust them to identify and implement solutions.
4. Fund Holistically From mental health services to economic development, effective disaster philanthropy addresses the full spectrum of needs.
5. Prepare for Future Risks Proactive investments in preparedness and mitigation save lives and resources when disaster strikes.
6. Focus on Resilience Help communities become stronger and more adaptable, reducing vulnerabilities to future crises.
7. Partner Across Sectors Collaboration among nonprofits, governments, and businesses ensures a coordinated response and recovery.
8. Center Lived Experience The voices of those directly impacted by disasters should inform every stage of the recovery process.
9. Adapt Funding Models Flexible, multi-year funding allows organizations to respond effectively to evolving needs.
10. Learn and Share Every disaster provides lessons. Sharing knowledge strengthens the global response to future challenges.

By applying these principles, inspired by the CDP, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to disaster philanthropy—one that not only responds but rebuilds stronger communities. https://disasterphilanthropy.org/

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