Volunteer Orientation Buchanan County Emergency Management Emergency Management
Volunteer Orientation Buchanan County Emergency Management
Emergency Management An organized analysis, planning, decision making and assignment of available resources to: l Mitigate l Prepare l Respond l Recover From the effects of all hazards
Emergency Management l Putting it Simply Spanning the gap between: “It won’t happen to us” and “We are all going to die!”
Mitigate l Mitigation is taking action to eliminate or reduce the loss of life and property related to an event(s) that cannot be prevented
Prepare l Preparedness is developing policies and protocols, incident command systems, training, planning, coordination, and exercises for potential crises
Respond l Response is taking action to effectively contain and resolve the crisis or emergency l l l Activate the emergency management plan and the Incident Command Team Utilize effective decision making Maintain consistent communication Document actions Conduct an after-action briefing
Recover l The recovery phase is designed to assist in the healing process & to restore operations Recognize that recovery is an ongoing process l Academic, physical, and business recovery l Mental Health/Emotional Recovery l
Four Goals of Emergency Management Save Lives l Prevent Injuries l Protect Property l Protect the Environment l
Why Plan for an Emergency or Crisis? l Emergencies or crises of all shapes and sizes occur on a daily basis l Emergencies or crises have significant impact: Physical l Emotional l Financial l
Why Plan for an Emergency or Crisis? l Effective planning will reduce the level of chaos that occurs in an emergency l Self-reliance: l In event of a significant emergency or crisis, you may need to operate independently for several hours
Materials You Should Have l Volunteer Policy l Volunteer Background Check Policy l Volunteer Handbook l Position Description l Completed Waiver l Activity Log Sheet
Volunteer Policy l Provides overall guidance and direction to staff and volunteers engaged in volunteer activities. l Review key points of the Policy.
Volunteer Background Check Policy l Describes the terms and conditions under which background checks are conducted. l Review key points of the Policy.
Volunteer Handbook l Handbook was prepared to give you some essential information about the policies and expectations of Buchanan County Emergency Management. l The handbook has been organized by topic to help you find information you need easily. l Review key points of the Handbook.
Position Description l Intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of a position. l You may volunteer for more than one position. l Review key points of the positions you are performing.
Complete Waiver l Read, understand sign Liability Waiver. l Review key points of the Waiver.
Activity Log Sheet l Track your time and tasks you perform. l Turn in the end of every month. l Review key points of the Activity Log Sheet.
Primary Insurance Coverage l Your personal auto, health, and homeowner insurance.
Volunteer Guidelines When working with the public, as a representative of Emergency Management, we ask that you maintain a positive attitude. l Refer all questions you are unsure of to the office staff. l If you sign up for an assignment and are unable to fulfill your commitment, please notify the office. l
Volunteer Guidelines If you encounter a emergency, of any type, please call 911 and then notify the staff. l Never place yourself in a dangerous situation. If a questionable situation occurs, notify the staff or the appropriate authorities. l MOST IMPORTANTLY! HAVE FUN! l
Things To Do Get to know your supervisor / go-to person, l If possible establish a regular schedule for volunteering. l If you will be late or can’t make it, contact your supervisor. l Know applicable rules – especially those involving how to interact with other staff and those you’re serving. l
Benefits of Volunteering l Make a positive difference in your community l Learn new skills l Improve your health l Create more fun in your life l Meet people with similar interests
Benefits of Volunteering l Share your skills and life experiences l Meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise l In one survey 28% of unemployed volunteers (and 16% of employed volunteers) said that their volunteering had helped them obtain a job in the past (www. givingandvolunteering. ca/pdf/factsheets/Benefits_of_Volunteering. pdf )
Protection of Information l All volunteers are going to be exposed to sensitive information. l Information is only released through the Public Information Officer.
Training Opportunities l Position descriptions lists training for performing the function. l Training available on-line or local classes. l Other training will also be available.
Summary When Disaster Strikes It will take an organized response Thank you for becoming a part of that response!
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