Re: Reactive Relief/Recovery Volunteering
It is important to note that the most effective, fast, and efficient aid is cash donated to TRAINED, SPECIALIZED, INCIDENT-ORIENTED organizations. However, if you absolutely must answer that internal call to action, be sure to take the time to train before trying to help. Reach out to established EM/response/relief organizations for guidance (if disaster relief is your true passion, you’ve already joined and can stop reading.). In any case, learn ICS & NIMS (know what they are and how you might fit into them), First Aid, CPR, AED use, and self-sufficiency (survival) to be an disaster volunteer. You can then select more specific trainings, such as “Animals in Disaster” or “CBRNE for EMS” based on your interest, occupation, or current volunteer capacity (i.e. EMT).
Our own policy on such volunteering is quite strict and specific as the potential for danger is high:
UNAFFILIATED VOLUNTEERS:
Policy to maintain, in the event of major incident(s), an entirely optional selection of “Relief/Recovery” non-member volunteers:
In the interest of managing the influx of non-local (in relation to incident) civilians seeking to donate their time and effort with no pecuniary interest, working in conjunction with, or due to overwhelming of, local volunteer management organizations (or lack thereof), U.S.V.E.M. will (if safety and resources permit) assist in the management of non-member volunteers in an organized fashion. This must be conducted in the safest manner possible with full knowledge by all parties of the potential for extreme danger.
This may include the supervision of untrained (by U.S.V.E.M. standards & recordkeeping requirements) Relief/Recovery volunteers in support tasks such as sandbag filling & distribution, garbage collection (includes items removed from flooded/destroyed residences), distribution of packed goods, rural/non-water/overland wide-area search, setting up/breakdown of evacuation or pet shelters or assisting therein, or other appropriate activities in which proper security and leadership can be assured.
All volunteers participate completely at their own risk, of their own volition, and must sign indemnity contracts/liability waivers.
At NO time may efforts to manage non-members/unaffiliated volunteers detract from or interfere with established U.S.V.E.M. objectives for an incident.
U.S.V.E.M. will make an effort to identify existing plans/structures/organizations (i.e. Long-term Recovery groups) that are in place for “volunteer management” during major incidents (disaster volunteers with no credentials).
No person not appropriately trained/certified is permitted to display apparel or insignia of a U.S.V.E.M. member or first responder of any kind.
Unaffiliated volunteers may be released at any time for any reason and barred from incident access if required. No one under the age of 18 is allowed in any area of operations or related incident locations.
Unaffiliated, non-member Relief/Recovery volunteers
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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ATTENTION U.S. MUNICIPALITIES: U.S.V.E.M. CAN ASSIST IN PROACTIVELY SETTING UP A VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IF ONE IS NOT IN PLACE OR HAS LOST FUNDING (WE WOULD STRUCTURE A VOLUNTEER-LED ORGANIZATION). CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.
It is important to note that the most effective, fast, and efficient aid is cash donated to TRAINED, SPECIALIZED, INCIDENT-ORIENTED organizations. However, if you absolutely must answer that internal call to action, be sure to take the time to train before trying to help. Reach out to established EM/response/relief organizations for guidance (if disaster relief is your true passion, you’ve already joined and can stop reading.). In any case, learn ICS & NIMS (know what they are and how you might fit into them), First Aid, CPR, AED use, and self-sufficiency (survival) to be an disaster volunteer. You can then select more specific trainings, such as “Animals in Disaster” or “CBRNE for EMS” based on your interest, occupation, or current volunteer capacity (i.e. EMT).
Our own policy on such volunteering is quite strict and specific as the potential for danger is high:
UNAFFILIATED VOLUNTEERS:
Policy to maintain, in the event of major incident(s), an entirely optional selection of “Relief/Recovery” non-member volunteers:
In the interest of managing the influx of non-local (in relation to incident) civilians seeking to donate their time and effort with no pecuniary interest, working in conjunction with, or due to overwhelming of, local volunteer management organizations (or lack thereof), U.S.V.E.M. will (if safety and resources permit) assist in the management of non-member volunteers in an organized fashion. This must be conducted in the safest manner possible with full knowledge by all parties of the potential for extreme danger.
This may include the supervision of untrained (by U.S.V.E.M. standards & recordkeeping requirements) Relief/Recovery volunteers in support tasks such as sandbag filling & distribution, garbage collection (includes items removed from flooded/destroyed residences), distribution of packed goods, rural/non-water/overland wide-area search, setting up/breakdown of evacuation or pet shelters or assisting therein, or other appropriate activities in which proper security and leadership can be assured.
All volunteers participate completely at their own risk, of their own volition, and must sign indemnity contracts/liability waivers.
At NO time may efforts to manage non-members/unaffiliated volunteers detract from or interfere with established U.S.V.E.M. objectives for an incident.
U.S.V.E.M. will make an effort to identify existing plans/structures/organizations (i.e. Long-term Recovery groups) that are in place for “volunteer management” during major incidents (disaster volunteers with no credentials).
No person not appropriately trained/certified is permitted to display apparel or insignia of a U.S.V.E.M. member or first responder of any kind.
Unaffiliated volunteers may be released at any time for any reason and barred from incident access if required. No one under the age of 18 is allowed in any area of operations or related incident locations.
Unaffiliated, non-member Relief/Recovery volunteers
- No expectation of any form of compensation, recognition, and/or any personal and/or business influence or exchange of any kind.
- May not perform indoor Muck-Outs without proper training and PPE.
- Damaged property designated for removal may be moved with proper PPE use.
- May NEVER enter a structure unaccompanied.
- At no time will any Relief/Recovery volunteers self-dispatch, including performing work in any areas not specifically identified as safe to operate near (let alone inside of). Issues of insurance/claims-related documentation, local codes/permit requirements, owner identification and consent, hazard identification, and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) precede all actions.
- “Walk-On” additional assistance by untrained, unaffiliated persons is not permitted. All Relief/Recovery volunteers must complete requisite paperwork and briefings, don PPE, etc., before initiating any work as directed by authorized U.S.V.E.M. personnel.
- Non-officers of U.S.V.E.M. may not initiate work on unassigned areas (areas not originally identified and approved prior to work assignment).
- Trespassing is not permitted. All efforts will be made to identify property owner and seek permission if access is required (absent exigent circumstances).
- Orders to evacuate immediately may include 3 (three) air horn or whistle blasts (such as from Fire apparatus).
- Be aware of hazard warnings (i.e. Tornado sirens) and local weather hazards.
- Presence in proximity to disaster, and all work, is done at your own risk. Consult your physician prior to traveling to an affected area.
- In the event of possible civil unrest you must seek safety/refuge immediately.
- No access to areas requiring specified credentials (per IC/Resource Unit) is permitted, regardless of physical barriers to entry.
- NEVER work alone. Working outside an organization/agency may result in arrest/injury (i.e. shot at by property owners or looters), or death (from a plethora of hazards).
- It is not recommended to attempt to provide assistance if you have no relatable background (i.e. military experience) nor formal training.
- Note that All-Hazards refers to DEADLY hazards. Don’t become a victim.
- Life insurance is recommended however, takes time to become effective, be aware that you are risking your life in entering a disaster area.
- No Relief/Recovery volunteer may divert from assignment(s) to interrupt work, spread unrelated messages, render aid they aren’t qualified for, nor cause undue alarm to disaster survivors. U.S.V.E.M. is absolutely apolitical and secular: the focus must remain on the mission at hand.
- If safety requirements are not maintained, work will be ceased and personnel removed. This includes abiding by safe work practices, OSHA, and localized instructions, as well as PPE and documentation procedures.
- A unified public message is vital, as is the purpose of the Joint Information System (JIS)
- Misinformation during disaster is not only costly but can be deadly. No press/media interaction is permitted during execution of objectives. All inquiries will be directed to the appropriate Public Information resource (i.e. PIO or Joint Information Center) as directed by organization leadership. Personal information of all affected is confidential.
- No recording device use of any kind is permitted during operations. No filming/photos of survivors or deceased at any time.
- Respect and decorum will be maintained as Relief/Recovery volunteers are working under the guidance of a highly trained and dedicated organization, often in the midst of first responders, aid groups, national guard, and survivors. This includes maintaining composure despite harsh conditions. Setting a positive example assists in creating a positive outlook for those affected by disaster.
- The Incident Command System and chain-of-command structures must be adhered to. Unit integrity and cohesion begins with the individual.
- For-profit and unrelated organizations/agencies logos/emblems/insignia must not be prominently displayed upon your person (ex: an FD shirt can create confusion amongst multi-agency operations).
- Those with firefighter/EMS/Medical/LE/SAR/ARES/EM credentials may be asked to perform as such, therefore, no longer considered an “untrained” volunteer. This is also applies to equipment operators in Debris Removal. (An officer will clarify on a case-by-case basis)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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ATTENTION U.S. MUNICIPALITIES: U.S.V.E.M. CAN ASSIST IN PROACTIVELY SETTING UP A VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IF ONE IS NOT IN PLACE OR HAS LOST FUNDING (WE WOULD STRUCTURE A VOLUNTEER-LED ORGANIZATION). CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.