Disaster Preparedness & Response

Snow Patrol * Community Members * Agencies
* AALERT * Volunteer Mobilization Center 
* Dept of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign * Hurricane Preparedness
 

SNOW PATROL

The Department of Aging and Disabilities is partnering with the Volunteer Center For Anne Arundel County and the Citizens Corps Council to recruit and deploy church youth groups, families (and individuals), scouts, and high school groups as well as adult organizations for the "Snow Patrol".

Isolated seniors with medical needs and individuals with disabilities need assistance with removing snow and ice during winter storms so that driveways and sidewalks can be accessed by caregivers or so that the affected seniors can reach the street to be provided transportation for medical care, etc. Volunteers need to contact the Volunteer Center now and pre-register in order to help residents with disabilities and medical needs during this winter’s storms. A background check is required. CLICK HERE to download registration information and forms.

Contact Bill at bill@volunteerannearundel.org or call 410-897-9207 for more information.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS

The VCAAC will be scheduling Disaster Preparedness and Response orientations - if you are interested in learning more about ways to get involved before disaster strikes, we can notify you when the next orientation is scheduled. The VCAAC can refer you to organizations that train volunteers to meet the needs of the community in a disaster or emergency situation.

If you already have a skill that you'd like to share with our community in a disaster or emergency, contact us to learn about organizations with which you can affiliate prior to an event. Pre-affiliation allows organizations to make the best use of your skills.

Following a disaster, please be patient if you wish to volunteer. Allow the VCAAC to take a little time to identify local community needs in order to refer volunteers more effectively. This enables volunteers to complement rather than complicate the efforts of first responders, a goal that we all share.

AGENCIES

No immediate need? Register your agency NOW to save valuable time later! Also, consider attending a future Disaster Volunteer Mobilization Center training to familiarize yourself with center operating procedures following a disaster - doing so could make a real difference in your agency's ability to respond quickly and efficiently. Contact Fay Mauro at

Anne Arundel & Annapolis Local Emergency Response Team AALERT (CERT)

AALERT is recruiting groups of volunteers from communities, businesses, and faith-based organizations to train to assist in their own neighborhoods in the event of an emergency. These volunteers will be equipped by the Office of Emergency Management and trained in preparedness, safety for rescuers, triage, disaster psychology, light search & rescue techniques, CPR, and medical aid. Contact Karen Johnson via e-mail (FDJOHN99@aacounty.org); via phone at 410-222-0611; or by writing to her, care of the Office of Emergency Management, Henry L. Hein Building, Suite 102, 7480 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Glen Burnie, MD 21061-3542.

Volunteer Mobilization Center

The VCAAC will deploy a Volunteer Mobilization Center (VMC) to coordinate spontaneous and unaffiliated volunteers in the event of an emergency when asked to do so by the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management.

VMC Volunteers would set-up and staff the VMC itself. If you are interested in serving in a VMC in Anne Arundel County to provide coordination and referral of volunteers in response to a disaster or emergency, send us an info@volunteerannearundel.org to join our mailing list to receive information about upcoming VMC training and periodic exercises that we conduct.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign

In a recent national survey conducted by the Ad Council, 91 percent of Americans agreed that taking some simple steps to prepare could help protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 54 percent had taken at least one of the three steps recommended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign, including getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, and being informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses. Click here to obtain all kinds of useful information to prepare yourself, your family, or your company for an emergency

Hurricane Preparedness

Click here for hurricane preparedness and safety tips.

- Plan ahead! Contact us at 410-897-9207 or info@volunteerannearundel.org if you are looking for ways to use volunteers before and after a disaster. Registering your volunteer needs early allows us to refer community members directly to your agency before disaster strikes. You can train volunteers as needed to help you prepare and recover. - During the recovery periods after tropical storms or hurricanes, many individuals and organizations responded nobly in an effort to help out their fellow citizens. Hurricane Season is once more upon us. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering for disaster preparation and response initiatives, please contact the VCAAC at 410-897-9207 or send an e-mail to info@volunteerannearundel.org. You can also register as a volunteer. Email info@volunteerannearundel.org to learn about upcoming training opportunities.