R.A.P.I.D Trailers
Overview of Trailers:
The mobile units known as R.A.P.I.D (Recover, Assist, Prepare, Inform, and Distribute) trailers, will serve as a resource for both preplanned community events and festival and disaster response efforts in Linn County.
Originally developed through a collaboration between the Linn County Sustainability Department and the Linn County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), these mobile resiliency and response units are designed to support both "blue skies" activities, such as community events and "grey skies" situations during emergencies.
The R.A.P.I.D. trailers will be deployed to disaster-impacted communities, providing critical information and charging stations to residents in need. By strategically moving resources into affected areas, the mobile units help ensure that communities have access to essential services when traditional infrastructure may be compromised.
This project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) dollars that were allocated by the Linn County Board of Supervisors to Linn County Sustainability operations.
Mission of Trailers:
1. Support Community Recovery: Deploy during emergencies and disasters to provide essential services such as power, connectivity, and information to affected communities.
2. Enhance Emergency Preparedness: Serve as a mobile hub for preparedness education, and distribution of emergency planning resources during non-emergency times.
3. Assist Vulnerable Populations During Emergencies: Ensure access to critical services for communities that may be disproportionately impacted during extreme weather events or emergencies.
4. Promote Resilience through Engagement: Participate in public events to raise awareness about local emergency response efforts.
5. Bridge the Gap During Disruptions: Provide temporary access to power, communication tools, and a safe gathering space when traditional infrastructure is unavailable or overwhelmed.
6. Distribute Resources Where They're Needed Most: Deliver information, and support quickly and flexibly to neighborhoods in times of need whether due to disaster or community demand.
Trailer Features:
1. Device Charging Stations Multiple outlets and USB ports to charge phones, and other electronics.
2. Rest Area A shaded space with seating, equipped with misting fans in warmer months and a patio heater in colder months.
3. Battery Storage & Solar Panels Equipped with solar panels and battery storage to provide sustainable, off-grid power.
4. Public Address and Information Displays Tools to share important announcements, updates, and educational materials during events or emergencies.
5. Flexible Setup Design Easy-to-deploy for events, recovery operations, or outreach activities.
Upcoming Appearances: Follow on Facebook for updates on pre-planned events.
FAQ:
• What exactly are the R.A.P.I.D. trailers, and what does the name stand for?
- R.A.P.I.D. stands for Recover, Assist, Prepare, Inform, and Distribute. The R.A.P.I.D. trailers are two mobile units designed to support both "blue skies" and "gray skies" activities.
▪ Blue skies refers to planned events such as the county fair or community outreach programs.
▪ Gray skies refers to unplanned emergencies or disasters. Each trailer can be deployed to communities across the county to provide support as needed.
• What features and services do the trailers provide?
- The trailers offer a range of support features, including:
- Device charging capabilities
- A shaded rest area with misting fans or a patio heater (depending on the season)
- Emergency preparedness resources
- Space for community gathering and information sharing
• How many trailers are there? Will more be added in the future?
- There are currently two R.A.P.I.D. trailers, with no current plans to expand the fleet at this time.
• How much did the trailers cost to build and equip?
- The total cost to build and fully equip both trailers was $200,000.
• How is this project funded?
- The R.A.P.I.D. trailer project was funded through $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, allocated to the County’s Sustainability Department during the COVID-19 pandemic.