Orange County, Texas, offers an insightful example of the types of staffing considerations localities experience during a disaster. The county was faced with a unique natural disaster situation in March of 2016 when the nearby Sabine River reached record-level highs, forcing operators at the Toledo Bend Dam to release water at an accelerated rate, flooding… Read more
At the end of post-disaster response, many communities start to feel abandoned – their FEMA representative leaves and it often seems like funding options are diminishing. Communities often find themselves asking the question, “What do we do now?” During this period of transition, a long-term recovery group (LTRG) can play an integral role in keeping… Read more
Enthusiasm and engagement among volunteers may wane as the natural disaster recovery process moves out of the immediate response phase and into the months and even years of long-term recovery. However, volunteer efforts still play an important role in helping a community recover. Keep volunteers engaged with the following tips. Check-in with volunteers. Talk with… Read more
Use a Volunteer Reception Center to create a location designated for volunteer management. All agencies involved in volunteer management should prepare ahead of time for how to implement the VRC quickly. For public communications officers, this includes preparing documents like sign-in/out sheets, VRC setup instructions and VRC signage.
Throughout a disaster, send messages through local media and post messages on social media that let volunteers know: When they’re needed and what they’re needed for. Where to go at the disaster site. When it’s safe for them to arrive at the disaster site. Be clear about when help is needed and when to… Read more
Volunteer Reception Center Use a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) to create a location designated for volunteer management. Be sure to prepare ahead of time to quickly implement the VRC by identifying multiple locations for the center, assigning leadership roles and preparing key documents like, sign-in and sign-out sheets and VRC setup instructions. Volunteer Credentialing… Read more
Mutual and Automatic Aid Agreements Ensure that your locality has a Mutual Aid Agreement or Automatic Aid Agreement in place and be familiar with the specifications and legalities of the agreement prior to the emergency situation. Familiarize yourself with both state-to-state aid agreements, like EMAC, in addition to agreements with localities in your state. … Read more
During a natural disaster, volunteers can be a tremendous asset or a liability. Emergency management professionals can help ensure that volunteers are able to help during response and recovery by following these tips. Volunteer Safety Training: Have a basic volunteer safety training program in place that can quickly be given to volunteers before they are… Read more
Mutual and Automatic Aid Agreements Ensure that your locality has a Mutual Aid Agreement or Automatic Aid Agreement in place and be familiar with the specifications and legalities of the agreement prior to an emergency situation. Familiarize yourself with both state-to-state aid agreements, like EMAC, in addition to agreements with localities in your state.… Read more
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