The recent horrific reports of the devastation of Hurricane Helene brought to mind the need for volunteers to aid the residents affected by the storm.
We in the Pacific Northwest have other concerns about emergencies. Earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and landslides may top your list of natural calamities for our area.
Retired members of our communities are often the first to volunteer in the case of natural disasters and can bring a wealth of talent, organizational skills, management experience and maturity to help first responders.
I found some interesting ways to help in the case of natural disasters locally.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Jeep Patrol was founded in 1973 as an auxiliary unit to the Sheriff’s Department. It is comprised of a well-trained, all-volunteer 4×4 mobile unit used to support the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and neighboring counties during emergencies and Search & Rescue operations.
The unit meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month and conducts various training activities each month. New applicants are welcome to attend a meeting to learn more about our organization. Click here to learn more.
All SAR volunteers must complete NIMS ICS-100 and IS-700. Jeep Patrol Level 2 members also require ICS-200 and IS-800. These are lifetime certifications and need only be completed once. All NIMS certificates are obtained for free online on the FEMA website.
The Thurston County Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), is a volunteer organization that brings together community members who provide needed services to the people of Thurston County before, during, and after times of emergencies and/or other disasters.
The purpose of the Disaster Assistance Response team is to train people how to prepare to take care of themselves and their neighbors during emergencies. DART also performs projects that improves community preparedness and safety and is a resource and volunteer pool during major emergencies.
The goal of DART goal is to have knowledgeable members trained in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), disaster preparedness, basic disaster response, fire extinguisher use, emergency radio communications, sandbagging, basic first aid, AED, safety assessment, shelter care, etc.
Any individual 18 years of age and older can apply. You must submit an application, pass a background check, possess a valid driver’s license and complete at least 20 hours of core training.
Levels of Membership shall consist of three levels of membership, which are determined by intention, service, and participation in community events per calendar year beginning January 1st and ending December 31st.
Level I is required to have member voting rights. If trainings are not offered in the calendar year due to extenuating circumstances an extension can be granted and approved by the elected board members. Level I: Level I membership shall be the beginning level upon completion of the required TCDART training. If Level I members intend to maintain their “active” status, they must complete IS 100, 200 and 700 courses, AED/CPR/First AID and CERT Certified within the first year of membership. Once achieved will be qualified to have voting member rights.
Level II: Level II membership will be attained by volunteering a total of 10 documented hours of community events and participation in one emergency drill and/or training session per year. Only 3 hours of the required documented hours may be accrued from online training. In addition, all Level II members will need to complete IS 100, 200 and 700 courses AED/CPR/First AID and CERT Certified within the first year of membership. Once achieved will be qualified to have voting member rights.
Level III: Level III membership will be attained by volunteering a total of 20 documented hours of community events and participation in one emergency drill and/or training session per year. Only 6 hours of the required documented hours may be accrued from online training. In addition, all Level III members will need to complete IS 100, 200 and 700 courses, AED/CPR/First AID and CERT Certified within the first year of membership. Once achieved will be qualified to have voting member rights.
Before registering for the FEMA online trainings, you will need to apply for a FEMA Student Identification Number.
All meetings are held at Thurston County Emergency Management located at 9521 Tilley Rd SW Olympia, WA 98512 and begin at 6:00 p.m. The next meeting will be October 24, 2024. For more information, click here.
Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comments.
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Snevets
Thank you for sharing. I'll look into it.
12 hours ago Report this