2018 End of Year Report 11932-4-h small links | Page 18

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Coping Under Fire: While hundreds of rocket missiles fired from Gaza in November put ALEH
Negev-Nahalat Eran in the direct line of fire, the staff and volunteers were exemplary in their
dedication, doing everything they could to preserve an air of normalcy and calm. When Red
Alert sirens sounded, all had about 30-45 seconds to get to a safe area. Highly dependent
residents requiring round-the-clock nursing care were moved into secure areas for the duration,
along with their accompanying medical and paramedical equipment, as they could not be easily
moved when sirens sounded. All residents of ALEH Negev moved into safe areas to sleep for 2
nights together with their dedicated caregivers and volunteers. The staff was reinforced and
supported by additional volunteers to enable an almost 1:1 ratio of care per resident. National
Service girls moved into the village, making themselves available 24/7 to help during a siren and
to run various activities within the shelters. Workers all received safety instructions from
Homeland Security as well as ongoing emotional support from ALEH’s social worker and
psychologists. While we hope for future calm, we are secure in the knowledge that ALEH Negev
is prepared for any contingency.