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 TRAINING CALENDAR (Microsoft Excel file)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

*Courses required to be a volunteer of the Sussex County Chapter

Fulfilling Our Mission* - A basic entry level instructor- led course, which introduces potential volunteers & members of other local agencies to the role of the Red Cross in the community’s actions in preparing for, responding to & recovering from emergencies & disasters. The course will enable individual volunteers to translate their care & compassion for their community into action & provide information to other community agencies on Red Cross work & possible partnerships in preparation for & response to a disaster.

Community Services* - Course focuses on the immediate needs of sheltering and feeding on a Red Cross disaster operation while delivering quality service.  (Pre-Req: Fulfilling Our Mission) 

Shelter Operations* - Course prepares Red Cross workers to effectively and sensitively manage shelter operations as a team to meet the needs of people displaced as a result of disaster.  (pre-requisite:  Fulfilling Our Mission)

Disaster Assessment – Course prepares volunteers to assess, obtain and report critical data on the damage to a community.  Volunteers are instructed to evaluate structural damage based on external observations and to write clear and accurate descriptions of disaster-caused damage.  (pre-requisites: Fulfilling Our Mission and Community Services) 

Shelter Simulation* – Hands on tabletop opportunity to practice the skills and knowledge learned in the previous classes.  Participants will work as a team to open, operate and close a shelter, as well as deal with common (and uncommon) shelter problems effectively.  (Pre-requisites are Fulfilling Our Mission, Community Services and Shelter Operations)

ERVs: Ready, Set, Roll - (Road Test Only) – The purpose is to prepare volunteers to safely and effectively use an emergency response vehicle (ERV) and its equipment to meet feeding and other service needs of the people affected by disaster.  (pre-requisite: Fulfilling Our Mission)  Chapter will pre-qualify any interested volunteers.  Course admittance is invitation only. 

Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance – The purpose is to introduce volunteers to the Family Service function, learning the tools and skills needed to conduct an effective client interview and conduct casework.  Client Assistance Cards (CACs) are included in this course. This course is required for all Disaster Action Team (DAT) members.  (Pre-req: Fulfilling Our Mission) 

Psychological First Aid - Basic level Disaster Services course consists of five separate segments & a self-review questionnaire which is completed at the end of the course. The course provides a framework for understanding the factors that effect stress responses in disaster relief workers & the clients they serve. In addition, it provides practical suggestions about what you can say & do as you practice the principles of Psychological First Aid.

Logistics - This course provides basic information about the processes O Material Support Services activities In support of American Red Cross disaster relief operations. You will learn about the knowledge, skills & abilities needed by Material Support Service workers and how they can be involved in their local chapter.