Disaster Response Team is a broad definition of work teams that help with setting up shelters, mucking out homes and churches, and assisting with rebuilding homes and churches  whereas the Emergency Response Team (ERT) is used  in a small part of the recovery from a disaster where there is a need to be totally self sufficient.  

TRAINING REQUIRED FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

001 M-100 Introduction to Disaster Response (3 hrs) No matter what type of team one is headed to, everyone will receive this training. There is a lot of background information that the new volunteer will need in order to function effectively in a disaster.  Aspects covered are disaster terminology, ministry basis of disaster response, Methodist history, agencies in disaster, disaster relief services, the disaster team, disaster team member, how to prepare, what to take, and the early response team (ERT).  This course must be renewed every three years. [Taught in classroom, Student manual, PowerPoint, and wallet certification, cost of making ID]  Required for personnel in North Georgia Conference Disaster Response Ministry.

TRAINING REQUIRED FOR THE TEAM

004 ARC First Aid including CPR-AED-FA (8 hrs) No team to go into the field without a certified first aid person and the more qualified the better.  Additionally, more than one person should be qualified. The recommended course is taught by the American Red Cross.

005 AARL Ham Radio License - Technician  ach team, particularly ERT's and Disaster Assessment should have a ham radio with an licensed operator.  Rather than a class, information is provided for obtaining the Technician book course book which contains the 350 test questions and answers (check for latest question pool-currently 7/1/06).  Seventy-five of those will comprise the test.  There are two other higher levels - General and Extra which entitle the holder to operations on additional band widths for each level. Each has its own test but you must start with the Technician.  There is no longer a morse code requirement.  The book is entitled The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual ($24.95 plus shipping) and may be obtained from  ARRL Publications (www.arrl.org/shop).  Testing locations may be found at  http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml .

OPTIONAL TRAINING FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

012 IS-111 Livestock in Disasters  This course is for farmers, extension agents, emergency managers and others who have interests in the livestock industry. It describes the various hazards that animals can face and how to mitigate them, as well as how to respond to an actual disaster. The livestock industry is a multi-billion dollar business that provides food for the American people as well as those overseas. It is important to insure our livestock are safe from hazards and will not suffer from the effects of hazards. [Online course w/test]

015 DR-201 Emergency Stage: Resource Damage Assessment (1.5 hr)

017 DR-110 Relief Stage: Chain Saw Use and Safety (2 hrs) This is a classroom course in the four components of chain saw operations: the operator, the saw, using the chain saw, and the environment in which it is used.  Meeting OSHA requirements and the use of the buddy system are stressed. Pre-requisite: M-100, IS-100, IS-700 [Taught as an interactive classroom course: Student manual, PowerPoint, and wallet certification]

018 DR-111 Relief Stage: Chain Saw Lab (2 hrs) This course involves actually use of the chain saw.  It is taught by a state or federal forestry employee or by a chain saw company representative. Pre-requisite: M-100, IS-100, IS-700 [Taught outside and chain saws are operated]

019 DR-120 Relief Stage: Clean up Methods and Safety (2 hrs) This course covers the scope of work that is completed during the Relief Stage, the grounds and building inspection before commencing work, debris clean-up on the outside, tarping, inside clean-up, and basement pump-out.  Separate documents are included with the training. One is a FEMA 234 “Repairing Your Flooded Home” and the second is a homeowner handout and cleaning furniture and other personal possessions. Pre-requisite: M-100, IS-100, IS-700   [Taught inside as an interactive classroom course : Student manual, PowerPoint, and wallet certification]

020 IS-632 Introduction to Debris Operations in FEMA's Public Assistance Program The course is divided into two major topic areas-General Debris Removal Operations and Critical Issues in Debris Operations.  There are also Public Assistance documents, sample forms, and key content. [Self-Study CBT course]

021 DR-130 Recovery Stage: Rebuild Issues and Safety (2 hrs) This addresses the various components of the house and the rebuilding of the house while taking into account pest damage, rotten components, etc.  The areas addressed are foundation, framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, and wall covering (paneling or wallboard). Pre-requisite: M-100 [Taught inside as an interactive classroom course: Student manual, PowerPoint, and wallet certification]

022 DR-131 Hanging, Taping, Mudding Wallboard (1 hr)  This is a PowerPoint presentation designed to teach the skills of hanging wallboard, taping, and mudding for work teams coming to Mississippi and having no or limited experience.  [Developing: PowerPoint]
 
070 DR-301 Recovery Stage: On-Site Administration for The Local Church (2 hrs) Many disasters are small enough where the local church may become the communications point for the community; and therefore there are certain administrative functions that the church may find  useful. There is a packet of this information and computer files which are reviewed in the  classroom. [Developing: Student manual under development, CDs, wallet certification]

081 DR-310 Recovery Stage: Case Management Overview (3 hrs) This is an introductory course into assisting victims who were unable to address their needs through immediate services or insurance or state/federal programs.  The course covers the office functions, typical services offered, some of the problems that have to be addressed, and controls. [Developing: Student manual under development]

006 IS-7 A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance  This course provides a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local community, State, and the federal government in providing disaster assistance. It is appropriate for both the general public and those involved in emergency management who need a general introduction to disaster assistance. [Online course w/test]  

007 IS-22 Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness" has been designed to help the citizens of this nation learn how to protect themselves and their families against all types of hazards. It can be used as a reference source or as a step-by-step manual. The focus of the content is on how to develop, practice, and maintain emergency plans that reflect what must be done before, during, and after a disaster to protect people and their property. Also included is information on how to assemble a disaster supplies kit that contains the food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity for individuals and their families to survive. [Online course w/test]   

008 IS-55 Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens  The course will introduce you to household hazardous materials and things you can do to protect yourself and your family from injury or death. In the 1st unit, you will learn about basic chemical and physical properties, the ways chemicals enter your body, and the effects chemicals have on your body.  In the 2nd and 3rd units, you will learn about cleaning products, lead, mercury, gasoline, compressed gases, carbon monoxide, medical supplies, chlorine, pesticides, and much more.  In the last two units, you will cover labels, personal protective equipment, proper disposal methods, preventive measures to take before natural disasters, and less toxic alternatives.  [Online course w/test] 1-3 hours.  

009 IS-271 Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk This course will help you enhance your ability to recognize potentially hazardous weather and flooding situations and how they may affect your community and familiarizing you with National Weather Service (NWS) products so that you understand how to use and interpret forecasts [Online course w/test]

010 IS-010 Animals In Disaster-Awareness and Preparation The purpose of this course is intended to increase awareness and preparedness among animal owners and care providers. It includes sections on typical hazards, how these affect animals and what can be done by responsible owners to reduce the impact of disasters. It is also intended to help animal owners, care providers and industries to better understand emergency management. [Online course w/test]

011 IS-011 Animals In Disaster- Community Planning  The course is intended to guide emergency management officials and animal owners, care providers, and industries in preparing community disaster plans. The goal is to provide sufficient information for both groups to meet and develop meaningful and effective plans that improve the care of animals, their owners, and the animal-care industries in disasters. This course provides the basic background knowledge needed to develop a coordinated response to a disaster in which animals and their owners are affected. [Online course w/test]