Author: LuAn Johnson PhD

LuAn K. Johnson, PhD is the Executive Director and Founder of SPAN, a 501(c)(3) non-profit disaster educational service corporation, originally founded in 1990 and incorporated in 2004, to help individuals, homes, neighborhoods, and local governments better prepare for disaster. SPAN is solidly grounded on proven principles of how to effect change – we design our messages and materials utilizing the latest empirical research. Our programs and preparedness tools are founded upon experience and proven training methodologies. SPAN is a dedicated, skilled, innovative non-profit service organization specializing in disaster preparedness services that enable people to go beyond knowing – to take action – in other words, to actually prepare. She is also the architect of the popular Map Your Neighborhood program for Washington State, now used in many states throughout the USA. Neighborhoods that are prepared for emergencies and disaster situations save lives, reduce the severity of injuries and trauma and reduce property damage. In addition, contributing as an individual and working together as a team helps develop stronger communities and improve the quality of life in the community. The Map Your Neighborhood program guides you and your neighbors through simple steps to help enhance your preparedness for an emergency. These steps will help you to quickly and safely take actions that can minimize damage and protect lives. It is designed to improve disaster readiness at the neighborhood level and teaches neighbors to rely on each other during the hours or days before fire, medical, police or utility responders arrive.