USA Freedom Corps Make a Difference. Volunteer Promoting a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility National & Community Service Citizen Corps (DHS, EPR, FEMA) National Citiezen Corps Council Corporate Support Charter Federal Partners DOJ/NSA DOJ/IACP DHS/EPR/EMI DHHS/OSG Affiliate Programs Ready.gov, are you ready?, safety, preparedness awareness programs State Citizen Corps Councils Tribal, Local Citizen Corps Councils American Public WHY? In 95% of all emergencies bystanders or victims are the first to provide aid Individuals & communities must be trained & prepared to help themselves & others - Major Wind Storms - Tornadoes - Flooding - Fire - Ice Storms - Blizzards - Crime - Terrorism/WMD - Chemical & Hazardous Materials Spills Citizen Corps What's Citizen Corps? Component of USA Freedom Corps President Bush initiative --started after 9/11 Create volunteer opportunities Help prepare for & respond to disasters Bring together local leaders, volunteers & First responders Component of USA Freedom Corps President Bush initiative --started after 9/11 Create volunteer opportunities Help prepare for & respond to disasters Bring together local leaders, volunteers & First responders To have everyone participate in making their families, home, businesses and America safer Citizen Corps Mission To have everyone participate in making their families, home, businesses and America safer To harness the power of every individual through education, training and volunteer service to make their communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to all kinds of threats Organized Communities form Citizen Corps Council to: Promote & oversee Citizen Corps programs Focus on education, training & volunteer opportunities for community & family Build on community strengths Organize projects & community events How We're Organized Communities form Citizen Corps Council to: Promote & oversee Citizen Corps programs Focus on education, training & volunteer opportunities for community & family Build on community strengths Organize projects & community events Belvidere Citizen Corps Council Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters - United Way (Chair) - Fire & Police Departments - Red Cross - Emergency Management Agency - Salvation Army - Emergency Medical Services - Faith Based Groups - Sheriff’s Department - Health Department - City & County Government - RSVP Citizen Corps Programs Department of Justice Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Neighborhood Watch Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Department of Health & Human Services Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Programs promoting community & family safety Volunteer Opportunities Crime prevention and reporting Get involved in your Neighborhood Watch Neighbors looking out for neighbors Extra eyes & ears for law enforcement Citizens work with police to combat crime 30 years of success in crime prevention Belvidere has Neighborhood Watch groups! Law enforcement Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Uses citizen volunteer in police department Trains volunteers to perform police administrative & non-intervention activites Enables police to concentrate on frontline duties Community Emergency Response Team Trains volunteers in emergency response and preparedness 20 hour course covering disaster preparedness, fire suppression, team organization, light urban search & rescue, medical principles & treatment, disaster psychology & terrorism Emergency Medical Response Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Enables active & retired medical professionals to participate in large scale emergencies Augments medical response community Can you help? Be Prepared Training Volunteer Give Blood Be Prepared Plan ahead What you have on hand during a disaster can make a big difference Develop a plan Talk with your family about what to do during an emergency Choose one out of town contact Learn how to turn-off utilities, use a fire extinguisher, call for help Practice your plan with your family Develop a kit Store 3 days of supplies per person Store kit in a sturdy, waterproof & easy to carry container Keep a smaller kit in your car Check kit every 6 months Water Medicines Canned food Clothing & bedding Pet supplies Essential tools Flashlight Sanitary supplies Radio Manual can opener Batteries Important papers First aid kit Coins and cash Training Types of training First Aid CPR Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Community Disaster Education Training gives you the skills & confidence you will need in times of crisis Volunteer Your community needs your help There are many ways to serve Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Fire Departments Disaster relief Red Cross Salvation Army Faith Based organizations Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Community safety organizations Give Blood Blood is needed in times of emergencies Every two seconds someone needs blood Doesn’t take much time Each blood donation has the power to save THREE lives Call the Rock River Valley Blood Center to donate 965-8751 Community Benefits Prepared citizens can help take care of themselves & others Allows first responders to focus on the most life threatening situation Citizens are involved in crime prevention, emergency preparedness & response Builds community pride & cohesion Contacts United Way 544-3144 Red Cross 963-8471 RSVP 544-7128 Neighborhood Watch 544-9626 VIPS 544-9626 CERT training 544-9322 MRC 544-2951 Salvation Army 544-3892 www.citizencorps.gov Summary Citizen Corps is a community based effort--started after 9/11 Engage citizens in community & family emergency preparedness/response You can help by Being prepared - Training Volunteering - Giving Blood Call 544-3726 or check out www.citizencorps.gov for more info