As a Winchester resident or office holder, how do you want your town to be prepared in the event of a catastrophe?

A Conversation about Resilient Communities

February 12, Wednesday, 7:00PM

Winchester Public Library, 80 Washington St.

What makes a community resilient in the face of extreme climate change? To rebound from shocks, and thrive despite being jolted by global events? Community members and local leaders and government can take steps to prepare for possible catastrophes, direct or indirect.

A community conversation to raise awareness about living with repercussions from global events will happen on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00 pm at Winchester Public Library. Scenarios that could be specific to Winchester will be presented for discussion.

Potential environmental crises include an extreme weather event in our area, warmer temperatures with longer heat waves during summer months, and pathogens blowing our way. Changing weather patterns, and pests affecting agriculture or carrying disease are other possibilities.

Some events are already affecting us, directly and indirectly. The anticipated drought in California will likely affect food production there in 2014 and raise prices on some produce.

Effects from global events can be short or long term, from rising insurance rates to increasing food prices or changes in the energy supply.

Some town departments are just starting to think about putting systems in place. For example, the town planning board is working to include flood mitigation in the downtown development plan. With rising ocean levels and storm surges, is the mitigation plan enough?

Thought is being given to the more vulnerable residents in the community and whether a support network can be in place to assist during a crisis.

As a Winchester resident or office holder, how do you want your town to be prepared?

Bring your expertise and your concerns.