Kane County Launches Disaster Ready Network

New initiative aims to coordinate emergency response across local groups

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:43pm

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Kane County is forming a countywide support network called Disaster Ready Kane to help prepare, respond, and recover from natural disasters. The county is looking for local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, service agencies, businesses, and community groups to join the initiative and assist with various disaster-related services.

Why it matters

Major disasters can overwhelm first responders, so having a coordinated network of community organizations engaged before an emergency occurs can lead to a more effective and compassionate response. Disaster Ready Kane aims to build relationships, clarify roles, and strengthen the ability to serve residents when it matters most.

The details

Disaster Ready Kane will hold a community meeting on April 10 for organizations interested in joining the initiative. The county is seeking groups involved in animal services, damage assessment, debris removal, emergency shelter, emotional and spiritual care, case management, and volunteer coordination. The goal is to ensure the community is not meeting for the first time during a crisis.

  • The community meeting will be held on April 10, 2026 at 2 p.m.
  • The Disaster Ready Kane initiative is being launched in 2026

The players

Scott Buziecki

Director of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management, who is leading the Disaster Ready Kane initiative.

Joe Cluchey

Interim chair of Disaster Ready Kane and retired South Elgin and Elburn fire chief.

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What they’re saying

“Disaster Ready Kane ensures we are not meeting each other for the first time in the middle of a crisis. We are building relationships, clarifying roles and strengthening our ability to serve our residents when it matters most.”

— Scott Buziecki, Director, Kane County Office of Emergency Management (chicagotribune.com)

“Major disasters test the entire community, not just first responders. The more organizations engaged before an event occurs, the more effective and compassionate our response will be.”

— Joe Cluchey, Interim Chair, Disaster Ready Kane (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

Organizations interested in joining Disaster Ready Kane are encouraged to RSVP for the April 10 community meeting at https://forms.gle/Eo8tvVJ2xpcQY8NZA.

The takeaway

By proactively building a network of community organizations, Kane County is taking a collaborative approach to natural disaster preparedness and response, ensuring residents and businesses can stabilize, rebuild, and recover more quickly when emergencies occur.