I’ve been trying to find a roll within my town’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for the past 2+ years. During that time, the past state EMA director Theresa Murray was encouraging the local EMAs to integrate ham radio into their emergency planning, response, and recovery. The reality is that things tend to move slowly in that arena. Unfortunately in the past couple of years, New England has been hit with a string of natural disasters (Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy, Blizzard Nemo, etc.). Having not used a generator for 20 years, suddenly I’ve been using it every 6 months. Waiting for the town EMA just doesn’t sound prudent. Therefore I’ve become engaged with the American Red Cross, joining a Disaster Action Team and becoming part of the Disaster Services Technology and Disaster Assessment groups.
The Red Cross, much like FEMA, has a huge library of training opportunities available. As my training situation changes, I’ll post here:
American Red Cross ID
Disaster Services Overview Module 1
Disaster Operations Control: Form 5266
Disaster Services Overview Module 2
Disaster Services: Client Casework
Disaster Services: Shelter Fundamentals
Disaster Services: Disaster Action Team Workshop
Disaster Services: Disaster Assessment Basics
Disaster Services Technology: Overview
Disaster Services Technology: Customer Service
Disaster Services Technology: Computer Operations
Disaster Services Technology: Networking
Disaster Services Technology: Communications
Disaster Services Technology: The First 48 Hours
