IEMA Highlights Role of Volunteers
in Disasters
Volunteers assist with preparedness,
response and recovery
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[April 07, 2017]
SPRINGFIELD
– Volunteers can provide critical assistance in disaster
preparedness, response and recovery efforts in Illinois. Throughout
April, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local
emergency management agencies will highlight ways Illinois residents
can help their communities be more resilient.
“Before disaster strikes, volunteers can promote personal
preparedness so that people in their communities can stay safe
during emergencies,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. When a
disaster strikes, voluntary organizations help people in their
community, region or across the country. Volunteers even play a
vital role in ensuring the long-term recovery of a community
affected by a disaster.”
Joseph said more than 50 communities have established Community
Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) that have been used to help make
their communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to
and recover from emergencies.
Nearly 100 local CERT members recently participated in a day of
training during the seventh annual Prairie State CERT Challenge at
Joliet Junior College in Joliet. The event was sponsored by IEMA and
hosted by Will County Emergency Management Agency.
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The day’s activities involved training focused on disaster
recovery activities, such as damage assessments, donations management,
spontaneous volunteers and Multi-Agency Resource Centers. These training topics
reflect activities CERT members have assisted with following several recent
disasters in Illinois and are likely to assist with in future emergencies.
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Disaster volunteer opportunities vary from community to community. People
interested in learning more about how to volunteer to help before, during or
after a disaster can contact local voluntary organizations or their local
emergency management agency for information about opportunities in their area.
[Illinois Emergency Management
Agency] |