The fact is: it’s not a matter of if disaster will impact our community, but when. We can’t prevent natural disasters or extreme weather, but the degree to which we prepare has a massive impact on the speed and effectiveness of response efforts – failing to take action now could put lives at risk.
While disaster can take many forms, one constant is the incredible power of community, and the desire to help in any way possible. Unfortunately, without proper guidance and training, even people with the best intentions can interfere with response efforts, or, jeopardize their own safety.
To organize volunteers in disaster situations, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties coordinates a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC). The VRC provides a system to safely and efficiently turn a crowd of spontaneous volunteers into a screened and organized workforce assigned to specific jobs. Thanks to volunteers who participate in twice-annual training exercises, there is a team prepared to operate the VRC in the event of a disaster – but additional help is still needed!
Community members are encouraged to attend an upcoming training and informational session at McMillan Library on April 5th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. A brief presentation followed by a training exercise & discussion will be provided by United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties in collaboration with Wood County Emergency Management. Only volunteers who attend training can be activated to lead the VRC in the event of disaster – those attending for the first time will have the opportunity to join the VRC team.
Register for the training by contacting Ben Eberlein, Community Engagement Director at 715-421-0390 or ben@uwswac.org. The deadline to register is Friday, March 31, 2023.