MRC VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Disaster Preparedness Education

• Disaster preparedness begins at the individual and family level.  Provide education to community groups, civic organizations and neighborhood associations.  A sample preparedness kit, suggested list of supplies and slide presentation are available as a presentation guide.

Exercises

• Participate in local and regional preparedness exercises coordinated by agencies including Brown County Health Department, Brown County Emergency Management, Bioterrorism Consortium of Lake Michigan (BCOLM.)  These exercises test and strengthen our emergency response.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

• The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

• More information can be found at www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm and www.bccitizencorps.org

Hand Washing Education

• Frequent and proper hand washing is one of the most critical ways to control the spread of diseases.  Help spread the message of good hand hygiene to community groups.  The Health Department has a GlitterBug Handwash Education kit complete with education instructions, GlitterBug powder, glow bar and All Hands On Deck video as a tool for hand washing education.

Severe Weather Spotter

• Receive training from the National Weather Service to become a Severe Weather Spotter.  More information can be found at www.weather.gov/grb

Public Health Clinics

• Assist public health at routine and urgent immunization or medication dispensing clinics.

Shelter Operations

• Assist public health at shelters opened up for disaster response and/or evacuation.

Cooling Centers

• Provide education on ways to keep cool during periods of excessive heat.  Public health has staffed a Cooling Center in conjunction with Red Cross.  The opening of the Cooling Center was coordinated by Emergency Management.

Special Needs Population

• Support Emergency Management’s efforts to plan for medical equipment and supplies needed at shelters accommodating individuals with special needs.  Agreements (Memoranda of Understanding) need to be written and signed by county government and home medical supply businesses to assure that the necessary equipment and supplies will be available when needed.

Child Passenger Safety Technician

• Create an awareness to protect our children by encouraging safe transportation; work with local, state and federal agencies to strengthen child restraint and safety seat laws; provide continuing education & support for child passenger safety technicians; educate both professionals & families; promote & provide community resources and a communication network.

• More information on Technician Training can be found at www.wcpsa.com