Services > Disaster Course Descriptions Disaster Course Descriptions

INTRODUCTION TO DISASTER SERVICES (HOME STUDY) Description Introduction to Disaster Services is a Basic Disaster Course that focuses on fundamental information about disasters, community response, and role of the Red Cross Disaster Services. Prerequisites None; this course is a prerequisite for all other Disaster Services courses. Length 3 hours DISASTER ASSESSMENT I Description Prepares Red Cross volunteer and paid staff to obtain and report damage assessment information and provide operational support on disaster relief operations. MASS CARE: AN OVERVIEW (HOME STUDY) Description The purpose of this training is to provide basic information about the activities of the Mass Care function. Participants will learn about the skills and abilities needed by Mass Care workers and how they can get started in their local chapter. As a result of this training, participants should be able to: Describe the role of Mass Care on Red Cross disaster relief operations and the services provided by this function. Explain how Mass Care workers deliver quality service to clients. Match their interests, abilities, and skills with those needed in each Mass Care activity. Develop a plan of action for further involvement with the Red Cross. Prerequisites Introduction to Disaster Services (ARC 3066) SHELTER OPERATIONS Description Prepare Red Cross and other agencies' staff to effectively and sensitively manage shelter operations as a team, and to meet the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster. Prerequisites Introduction to Disaster Services (ARC 3066) and Mass Care: An Overview (ARC 3068-1) SHELTER SIMULATION Description This 1/2 day course provides an exercise to use the skills learned through the Shelter Operations class. Prerequisites Introduction to Disaster Services (ARC 3066), Mass Care: An Overview (ARC 3068-1), and Shelter Operations (ARC 3068-11) ERVs: READY, SET, ROLL Description This full day course prepares Red Cross staff 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 a disaster. Students will learn to identify and use all ERV equipment, define integrated service delivery, describe safe food handling procedures, learn how the dissemination and collection of information provides quality service to clients, and learn proper maintenance requirements and procedures. For liability reasons, in order to receive your course completion card, your instructor will need you to provide the following: Please bring these items with you to class! Driver’s license Copy of your driving record (available from your Department of Motor Vehicles. There is usually a $5-$10 fee.) NOTE: Many states now permit you to view your driving record online. Check your state’s DMV website. If this is possible in your state, a printout of your online record will suffice. Obtaining your driving record can take 10 days or more, so be sure to plan ahead! Proof of CPR/First Aid completion. Bring your FA/CPR course completion cards to class with you! Course completion cards for Mass Care & Intro to Disaster Services. Prerequisites Introduction to Disaster Services, Mass Care: An Overview, First Aid/CPR Certification, Valid Drivers License, Satisfactory DMV record Recommended Logistics: An Overview LOGISTICS: AN OVERVIEW Description This half day course provides basic information about the activities and processes of the Logistics function in support of a disaster relief operation. Students will learn the logistics skills and knowledge needed to get started working with the local chapter disaster team. Logistics: Overview is course #: ARC 3071-1. Prerequisites 5898H, Introduction to Disaster Services, Mass Care LOGISTICS SIMULATION Description This 1/2 day course provides participants the opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills necessary to run a successful Red Cross Disaster logistical operation at a chapter level. Logistics Simulation is course #: ARC 3071-2. Prerequisites Introduction to Disaster Services, Mass Care, Logistics: Overview FAMILY SERVICE: PROVIDING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE Description This course develops interviewing skills, knowledge, attitudes and relationships necessary to meet individual emergency disaster-caused needs of local disaster operations. ARC 3072 (1 day) This course replaces Emergency Assistance to Families I and II. MASS CASUALTY DISASTERS Description This full day course prepares Red Cross employees and volunteers to provide a more effective initial response to a mass casualty disaster. Students will define and categorize mass casualty disasters. Course describes the characteristics of community and Red Cross response for different categories of disasters. Course will identify planning and involve students in preparedness activities that will strengthen the chapters response. Mass Casualty Disasters is course #: ARC 3079-1. Prerequisites 5898H, Introduction to Disaster Services, Experience on a large disaster either in their community or preferably on a DSHR assignment WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION / TERRORISM: AN OVERVIEW Description This half day course provides basic information about the Red Cross involvement in weapons of mass destruction and terrorism incidents, and the direct correlation to ARC's existing preparedness and response planning. Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism: Overview is course #: ARC 3079-2. Prerequisites 5898H, Introduction to Disaster Services PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN DISASTER I Description This course is essential to understanding the role all ARC disaster workers play in the public perception of our relief efforts. Find out why everyone from the R&R staff to the ERV drivers to the Family Service caseworkers has a vital role to play in the way the public sees the Red Cross. DSHR volunteers interested in the public affairs function are required to take PAD I, but the class has been enjoyed and evaluated highly by veterans of other functions as well. Learn what its like to do disaster public affairs from an experienced Red Cross PA volunteer who is a "real life" public relations professional. LIAISON: CONDUCTING COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS Description This course discusses the necessary attributes of liaison and the various roles liaisons may play. The course is usually held over 1 ½ days to ensure plenty of time for participants to utilize their collaborating skills. DAT VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Description This orientation introduces multi-function disaster volunteers to the workings of the Disaster Action Team (DAT). Volunteers who stand DAT duty, respond to disaster calls in their jurisdiction, which regularly include single family fires. The orientation includes a review of on-call time requirements, scheduling procedure, activation process, team responsibilities, and Code of Conduct. Prerequisites Introduction to Disaster; Mass Care Overview; Damage Assessment; Emergency Assistance to Families Recommended Shelter Operations; Shelter Simulations EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) Description Emergency Operations Center takes a look at the intricate coordination of resources both non-profit and government. Participants will learn the method by which the Incident Command systems and Emergency Operations Center work together to achieve coordinated response. SERVICE DELIVERY WORKSHOP Description Discuss and prioritize resources needed for a disaster response, work on compiling a list of contacts/vendors for each. DISASTER PLAN WORKSHOP Description Look at the disaster plan and compare it to a response situation, identify shortfalls in the plan and possible solutions. RADIO COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP Description Volunteers will be given a working knowledge of the chapter’s radio system and be taught how to use simple radios during response.