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The American Red Cross responds to over
60,000 disasters nationwide each year and provides disaster
relief to hundreds of thousands of people who have been affected
by those events. No matter the disaster, the Red Cross network
of disaster relief workers is always trained and prepared to
meet the needs of those affected. Youth have the opportunity to
participate in our Disaster Program as a member of the Junior
Disaster Action Team. Please contact Karen at 973-538-2160 x
206 or
kwinlund@northwestnjredcross.org to get involved.
Before Disaster Strikes
Training:
Disaster classes offered, free of charge
Ì Introduction to Disaster Services
Ì Mass Care – An Overview
Ì Shelter Operations
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Shelter Simulation
Ì Damage Assessment
Ì Emergency Assistance to Families
Ì Serving the Diverse Community
Ì Logistics – An Overview
Governance:
Boards and Committees
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Initiate/serve on
Youth Disaster Sub Committee
Planning:
Disaster planning is the process undertaken by each Red Cross
unit to ensure that the necessary authorities, organization,
resources, coordination, and operating procedures exist to
provide effective Red Cross disaster services
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Gather and input
into electronic files information on potential disaster risks in
the community
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Gather and input
information on high-risk populations who live in potential
disaster-affected areas
Preparedness:
Preparedness is the continuing process of identifying,
obtaining, managing, developing and sustaining human material
resources and collaborative resources needed to respond
effectively and efficiently to disasters
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Survey the
community for shelters, service centers, disaster relief
operations headquarters, and other service sites
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Help complete
facilities agreements with school or other building managers
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Help identify and
recruit school personnel, particularly nurses and counselors, as
disaster services volunteers
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Assist with
facility inspections and surveys
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Participate in
youth/disaster team shelter simulation or other simulation
exercises
Community Disaster Education:
Community disaster education is
the process of increasing public awareness and educating members
of the community in order to help people prevent, prepare for,
and cope with disasters.
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Become a CDE
presenter and make presentations
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Mentor peers
interested in becoming CDE presenters
When Disaster is
Imminent/During A Disaster Response
Shelter Mass Care:
Provide congregate shelter
facilities and fixed and mobile food services to disaster
victims and emergency workers in a disaster area. Provides for
bulk distribution of supplies and commodities to people affected
by the disaster.
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Assist the shelter
manager with errands and phone messages
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Count meals served
for the daily report
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Set up and clean
cots
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Distribute
announcements and other approved materials to shelter residents
Disaster Relief Operations Management:
The administration function is
responsible for managing a disaster relief operation.
Administration function staff plan, organize, staff, direct, and
control all activities on a Red Cross disaster relief
operation.
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Provide
administrative support. Examples listed below:
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Take messages
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Prepare list of
local merchants
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Assist in gathering
daily reports
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Provide data-entry
support
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Inventory supplies
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Provide clerical
assistance
Damage
Assessment:
Determines the size and scope of a disaster and the level of
damage sustained by dwellings within the affected area.
Develops and distributes statistical data related to effects of
a disaster and demographics of affected populations.
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Obtain and organize
area maps
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Color code maps
based on damage assessment
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Compile damage
assessment data
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Copy and sort
damage assessment records
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Assist in data
entry
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Check client’s
address with damage assessment information
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Maintain damage
assessment records for service center
Logistics:
Procures and distributes supplies and materials required for a
disaster relief operation; establishes and operates warehouses;
procures and manages all vehicles used on or in support of the
operation; establishes a courier and shuttle service; acquires
and maintains facilities.
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Receive and check
orders
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Load/unload,
organize, and distribute supplies
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Fill supply
requests
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Help conduct
inventories
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