How to Help:

In almost every disaster situation, response activity is coordinated by a Response Team. In communities, emergency management can be organized by different entities. Some communities have Offices of Emergency Management. In others, it is organized under the fire or police departments.

Never self-deploy! Work with a trusted partner. Lions International is not a first responder organization.

Clubs that are interested in response should partner with local response organizations.

Individuals interested in response need to be trained as responders. Some organizations that train responders are:

• CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a FEMA program that trains volunteers in basic disaster preparedness and response skills. In some communities, CERT Teams are also authorized to deploy.
  • Fairfax County CERT
  • Stafford County CERT
• Read about the FEMA National Incident Management System.
• American Red Cross offers training in a multitude of response areas.
• God’s Pit Crew is a faith-based disaster response team.

VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is a national organization comprised of a diverse group of organizations dedicated to serving communities throughout the disaster cycle.

Financial assistance is always welcome.

Preparedness:

The most valuable thing Lions can do is assist their communities in preparedness.

• Work with appropriate organizations to lead workshops.
• Show people how to build Disaster Preparedness Kits. Church World Services has a great kit that can be purchased for $60. Contact Madison Reese at mreese@cwsglobal.org or 540-830-6908.

Disaster preparedness and response grants are available from LCIF and LOVF.