Reminder: Public Informational Meeting in Greenwood Tomorrow about Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Group
Wednesday, June 24th, 2015 -- 9:29 AM
-The need for volunteers to assist in emergencies and disasters plays a major role in the response to, and recovery from disaster. Clark County is not unique when it comes to this need for resources. In an effort to plan for and coordinate these volunteer resources if needed, organizations have come together to establish a Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Group. Organizations that have been part of this effort include Clark County Emergency Management, Clark County Health Department and Department of Social Services along with American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers and local Amateur Radio Operators. These groups recognize the need for coordination and are working to move the project forward.A Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is an affiliation of independent voluntary agencies, groups, and businesses that provide planning, preparedness, response and recovery support for emergencies and disaster. VOAD's seek to enhance citizen and community readiness through individual, organizational, and business cooperation to support all-hazard preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. They believe that the best time to train, prepare, and become acquainted with one another is prior to an actual disaster response. It is a belief that training is a priority of a viable VOAD.
Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster has a broad mission to coordinate information, resources, and activities between diverse organizations in partnership to serve in times of a disaster. The thought behind a VOAD is to get together ahead of time, train together, trust each other, plan and integrate how we can help during a disaster. First responders cannot do it alone, volunteer assistance is needed to provide support in responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters; to prevent, reduce, and relieve suffering and damage.
The purpose of a VOAD in Clark County would include things such as:
? To recognize and network with key agencies and contacts throughout Clark County in the field of disaster and emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
? To maintain good working relationships and open communication with government disaster and emergency response organizations.
? To maintain the autonomy of all collaborating agencies/groups without duplication of services.
? To commit to the idea that the best time to train, prepare, and become acquainted with one another is prior to the actual disaster or emergency response.
? To maintain an activation process, a command structure, and a resource identification database.
? To establish Clark County VOAD as visible and credible participants in the disaster / emergency response arena.
? To provide education, training and preparedness for members.
? Mitigation, education, and outreach to the entire community through means of exercises and education programs.
Potential roles for VOAD participants to assist with could include but are not limited to:
? Preparedness and/or mitigation
? Emergency assistance & casework
? Emotional & Spiritual Care
? Recovery
? Donations Management
? Debris management
? Volunteer Management
? Phone Bank Operation
? Outreach/information and referral
? Animal and Pet Services
A Public Informational meeting is scheduled for June 25th at 6:30 PM in the Cafetorium at the Greenwood High School 306 W Central Ave Greenwood. Interested community groups and residents are invited to attend to learn more about this initiative and how they can become involved. If you have questions or concerns please contact the Clark County Emergency Management Office at 715-743-5100.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.