By Reba Winstead, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Alexandria, VA – September is Emergency Preparedness month. Do you know what hazards we are at risk of facing here in Alexandria? Severe weather such as hurricanes and thunderstorms, flooding, and fires, and infrastructure hazards such as train derailments or electrical. Alexandria City is at risk from hazards that could threaten public health, safety, and property. How do you prepare yourself and your household for these potential threats?
Being prepared for an emergency, and knowing what to do, can save lives. People are encouraged to create a family emergency plan, assemble a preparedness kit, and stay informed about potential threats. The City of Alexandria’s Office of Emergency Management offers tips and plans to help everyone get ready and prepare. Details can be found at https:// https://www.alexandriava.gov/Hurricane.
During a disaster, first responders will be deployed to address immediate needs in the disaster area. But what about the recovery efforts?
Volunteering During a Disaster
Volunteering in the moment is something many people want to do. But just showing up could hinder the efforts of trained responders and slow down the process of recovery. Organized volunteers can be an essential resource when they are trained, assigned, and supervised, and they can play a substantial role before, during, and after a major disaster has been declared.
Volunteers as a resource can offer economic and logistical value in times of disaster. What is the difference? Understanding the disaster response and utilizing disaster training. Disaster training and preparedness require planning before an event to utilize volunteers efficiently during response and recovery efforts.
VolALX is working with the City of Alexandria to train and staff a response team that in times of disaster will deploy volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks. This is a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC). The VRC will be responsible for screening and deploying volunteers after a disaster to help with recovery efforts. The VRC is operated by a group of trained volunteer staff leaders who serve in a variety of roles to quickly register, train, and deploy community members as spontaneous volunteers.
Trained Volunteer Staff Leaders
VolALX recruits people interested in becoming a trained VRC volunteer to meet this need. If you are interested in becoming a VRC Volunteer Leader, please register to sign up or learn more at https://www.volunteeralexandria.org/volunteer-reception-center.
Participate in Volunteer Opportunities in and around Alexandria in September.
To learn more or to register, visit www.VolunteerAlexandria.org.
Did You Know…. volunteering during disasters is a widespread and crucial part of a disaster response, with millions participating globally?
Learn About Volunteering During Emergencies and discover opportunities to support disaster response and recovery efforts during emergencies in this online orientation on Monday, September 29, 12-1 p.m.
The City of Alexandria will hold an event to commemorate National Recovery Month and needs volunteers to set up, guide traffic, monitor games, and provide support on Wednesday, September 17, 2:30 to 6 p.m.
Help students with reading, writing, and speaking English after school at either Alexandria City High or Francis C. Hammond Middle School. Sessions are available twice during the school week and once every Saturday. Training is available.
Senior Services of Alexandria is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to seniors on Saturdays and Sundays for Meals on Wheels. Delivery dates for volunteers can be flexible.
Plan and lead games and activities for the St. Martin Senior Center. Volunteers can lead their own activities or choose from existing games at the center. Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is looking for volunteers to assist with events, distribute t-shirts, and help manage the event. Games are being held between September 13 and 30.
