The Red Cross advises that a long-term
underground shelter should be at least 40
square feet per person. FEMA advises a minimum
of 50 square feet per person. Vivos intends to
provide a minimum of 100 square feet of floor
area per person. This would be equivalent to 1
person occupying a 10 foot by 10 foot room.
A group of five Members from each Vivos shelter owner group is appointed to a Management Board to oversee the Association and operations of the shelter. During non-emergency conditions, the Board is be elected, and Members serve two-year terms. The Board selects a Management Coordinator to handle collection of Member assessments, management of Association business, and communications with Members. A Site Manager is appointed to conduct regular inspections and supervise shelter maintenance. During emergency conditions, all willing and able Members (other than children) serve on the Management Board, with participation rotating on a monthly basis. The Board selects a willing and capable Member to be Shelter Director who serves at the pleasure of the Board and supervises day-to-day operations of the shelter. There are also five Operations Teams: Emergency Response and Security; Medical; Food Management and Preparation; Facility Cleaning and Maintenance; and Cohabitation. These Teams are filled by Member volunteers, each with an elected Team Leader. The Operations Teams are formed immediately so that they can organize themselves and make plans. The Operations Teams have autonomy within their areas, but remain subject to the overall control of the Board.
No Board Member may serve on a Management Board until all other ready, willing and able Members have each had a chance to serve. Once that has occurred, then the cycle of Board Members begins again. It is the intent of this structure to allow all Members the opportunity to serve, with equal authority and responsibility for the neutral and mutual benefit of all other Members.
The organizational structure and operational procedures are very comprehensive, well thought out and unambiguous. The Association Bylaws and Emergency Response Plan governs every condition and procedure, before and during a shelter lockdown. A complete set of the Bylaws, Emergency Response Plan, Code of Conduct and FAQs are provided to each buyer during the escrow process for their review and approval.
