Volunteer Orientation

Buchanan County

Emergency Management

Emergency Management

An organized analysis, planning, decision

making and assignment of available resources

to: Mitigate

Prepare

Respond

Recover

From the effects of all hazards

Emergency Management

Putting it Simply

Spanning the gap between:

“It won’t happen to us”

and

“We are all going to die!”

Mitigate

Mitigation is taking action to eliminate or reduce the loss of life and property related to an event(s) that cannot be prevented

Prepare

Preparedness is developing policies and protocols, incident command systems, training, planning, coordination, and exercises for potential crises

Respond

Response is taking action to effectively contain and resolve the crisis or emergency 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

The recovery phase is designed to assist in the healing process & to restore operationsRecognize that recovery is an ongoing

processAcademic, physical, and business recoveryMental Health/Emotional Recovery

Four Goals of Emergency Management

Save Lives Prevent Injuries Protect Property Protect the Environment

Why Plan for an Emergency or Crisis?

Emergencies or crises of all shapes and sizes occur on a daily basis

Emergencies or crises have significant impact:PhysicalEmotionalFinancial

Why Plan for an Emergency or Crisis?

Effective planning will reduce the level of chaos that occurs in an emergency

Self-reliance: In event of a significant emergency or crisis,

you may need to operate independently for several hours

Materials You Should Have

Volunteer PolicyVolunteer Background Check PolicyVolunteer HandbookPosition DescriptionCompleted WaiverActivity Log Sheet

Volunteer Policy

Provides overall guidance and direction to staff and volunteers engaged in volunteer activities.

Review key points of the Policy.

Volunteer Background Check Policy

Describes the terms and conditions under which background checks are conducted.

Review key points of the Policy.

Volunteer Handbook

Handbook was prepared to give you some essential information about the policies and expectations of Buchanan County Emergency Management.

The handbook has been organized by topic to help you find information you need easily.

Review key points of the Handbook.

Position Description

Intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of a position.

You may volunteer for more than one position.

Review key points of the positions you are performing.

Complete Waiver

Read, understand and sign Liability Waiver.

Review key points of the Waiver.

Activity Log Sheet

Track your time and tasks you perform.Turn in the end of every month.Review key points of the Activity Log

Sheet.

Primary Insurance Coverage

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.

Refer all questions you are unsure of to the office staff.

If you sign up for an assignment and are unable to fulfill your commitment, please notify the office.

Volunteer Guidelines

If you encounter a emergency, of any type, please call 911 and then notify the staff.

Never place yourself in a dangerous situation. If a questionable situation occurs, notify the staff or the appropriate authorities.

MOST IMPORTANTLY! HAVE FUN!

Things To Do

Get to know your supervisor / go-to person,

If possible establish a regular schedule for volunteering.

If you will be late or can’t make it, contact your supervisor.

Know applicable rules – especially those involving how to interact with other staff and those you’re serving.

Make a positive difference in your community

Learn new skillsImprove your healthCreate more fun in your lifeMeet people with similar interests

Benefits of Volunteering

Share your skills and life experiencesMeet people you wouldn’t have

otherwiseIn 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 )

Benefits of Volunteering

Protection of Information

All volunteers are going to be exposed to sensitive information.

Information is only released through the Public Information Officer.

Training Opportunities

Position descriptions lists training for performing the function.

Training available on-line or local classes.

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!