Disaster Training

We are pleased to announce that we are offering a full line up of entry level disaster courses here at the Sussex County Chapter beginning in October.  For our newer volunteers, this is a great opportunity for you to begin your disaster training.  For our more seasoned volunteers, if you have not already taken these courses, now would be a great time to take advantage of this opportunity. 

The courses listed below are a few courses that an individual or family can take to better prepare them or their family for unforeseen disasters.  If you would like to be a volunteer during a disaster below are the courses that are required to help your community. 

Disaster Action Team (DAT) Orientation
All volunteers who wish to join a DAT team are required to attend this orientation. Even if you just want to learn more about the responsibilities of serving on a DAT, you should come to this orientation. It will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not you wish to participate.

Fulfilling Our Mission
This course is a basic, entry level course, which introduces disaster volunteers and members of other local agencies to the role of the Red Cross in the community's actions in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters. It provides the foundation of service delivery standards for the American Red Cross by considering the Fundamental Principles and Values of the Red Cross and how they would apply throughout the disaster cycle (prepare, respond and recover). Volunteers are encouraged to attend DAT Orientation before attending this course.

Mass Care
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services training is to provide an overview of the activities performed by the Mass Care group in support of a disaster relief operation. Participants will be employees and volunteers of the Red Cross and other agencies and community leaders who wish to serve in or work with Mass Care group activities on a disaster relief operation. The prerequisite for this course is Fulfilling Our Mission.

Shelter Operations
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services course in to prepare volunteers to manage shelter operations effectively and sensitively as a team while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster. The prerequisite for this course in Mass Care.

Shelter Simulation
The purpose of this training is to provide participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required to operate a successful shelter. The prerequisite for this course is Shelter Operations.

Client Casework
Providing Emergency Assistance is a basic disaster course designed to train Red Cross caseworkers how to conduct effective client interviews and provide appropriate assistance to help meet a client’s immediate disaster-caused or disaster-aggravated needs. The purpose of this course is to prepare Red Cross employees and volunteers to perform the tasks of an Individual Client Services casework service associate.

If you are interested in taking these courses, please call the chapter at 973-579-1600 or email Nancy Caragher.