UPSTATE SC CHAPTER (ANDERSON COUNTY)

DISASTER SERVICES TRAINING CALENDAR – 1^st & 2^nd Quarters FY 2009

Please call 225-8666 to register for classes.  Please register early.  Classes are canceled one week prior to the scheduled class date if the minimum enrollment is not met.

Course Descriptions

Ø  Introduction to Disaster Services:  (1 hour) Recommended before disaster training.  The purpose of this online course is to introduce new volunteers to the ways they can support the Red Cross Disaster Services mission.  The course can be accessed on the public Red Cross website at www.redcross.org through the main Disaster Services page, under “Spotlight.”  Volunteers who do not have internet access may call the office (225-8666) to arrange to use a Chapter computer for viewing. 

Ø  Client Casework:  Providing Emergency Assistance:  (8 hours) Trains Red Cross caseworkers how to conduct effective client interviews and provide appropriate assistance to help meet a client’s immediate disaster-caused or disaster-aggravated needs.  Required for all DAT members!  Prerequisite:  Fulfilling Our Mission:  Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action.

Ø  ERVs:  Ready, Set, Roll:  (6 hours) Provides participants with the opportunity to learn about and use an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and all related equipment to meet feeding and other service needs during a disaster.  The course consists of two parts that participants must complete:  a video-driven classroom portion and an ERV orientation and road test.  Participants must have a valid driver’s license, proof of car insurance, taken a defensive driving course, and sign an authorization form for the chapter to obtain a Department of Motor Vehicles report.  Prerequisite:  Mass Care Overview.  Recommended:  Logistics Overview.

Ø  Fulfilling Our Mission:  Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action:  (3 hours) Introduces potential disaster volunteers and members of other local agencies to the role of the Red Cross in the community’s actions in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.  Required for all new volunteers.

Ø  Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment:  (4 hours) Introduces the critical role of disaster assessment, explore related preparedness tasks, learn how to collect and communicate disaster assessment information, and become familiar with how disaster assessment information supports management and service delivery decisions.  Prerequisite:  Online component (4 hours).  Recommended:  Fulfilling Our Mission.

Ø  Logistics:  An Overview:  (3 hours) Provides participants with an overview of the Material Support Services (MSS) group and the activities associated with it.  Prerequisite:  Fulfilling Our Mission.

Ø  Logistics Simulation:  (4 hours)  Designed to provide learners with the opportunity to practice using skills and knowledge from Logistics:  An Overview.  Prerequisites:  Logistics: An Overview.

Ø  Mass Care Overview:  (3 hours) Provides basic information about the activities of the Mass Care group (feeding, sheltering, bulk distribution) and the skills and abilities needed by Mass Care staff.  May be done as a self-study.  Prerequisite: Fulfilling Our Mission.

Ø  Psychological First Aid:  (4 hours) Prepares Red Cross workers to provide basic care, comfort and support to people who are experiencing disaster-related stress.  The course provides a framework for understanding the factors that affect stress responses in disaster relief workers and the clients they serve; and provides practical suggestions about what you can say and do as you practice the principles of Psychological First Aid.  Recommended:  Fulfilling Our Mission and Working with Total Diversity.  Recommended for all DAT members!

Ø  Shelter Operations:  (3 hours) Provides participants with knowledge of Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster.  Recommended for all DAT Captains!  Prerequisite:  Mass Care Overview.

Ø  Shelter Simulation:  (3 hours) Designed for learners to acquire knowledge of Red Cross policies and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster.  Recommended for all DAT Captains!  Prerequisite:  Shelter Operations.

PLEASE SEE THE ADDITIONAL COURSE SHEET LISTING THE DISASTER COURSES AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS).  IF YOU NEED THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESS, PLEASE LET MELISE KNOW.  YOU MUST BE AN APPROVED DISASTER VOLUNTEER TO ACCESS ONLINE COURSES.