Being personally prepared for an emergency is only part of the solution. Research has demonstrated that community connections, social capital - FRIENDS are key to speeding disaster recovery. The more diverse our friendships, the better! You don't even need to talk about disasters, just getting to know the people involved in the many communities you are part of, is the best way to build your disaster resilience. Neighbors are a great place to start. Think about ways you can connect with those who live nearby. Even small gestures of kindness can create wonderful results.
Think about your family and how different you all are. Neighbors are like family...you ended up together :) Finding ways to help and support each other can make a big difference when it matters most.
Getting involved also includes building your skills. There are many ways to contribute to disaster response efforts. We included information about a few organizations, below. However, if you would like to speak with someone about how to get involved and discuss ways to build your social capital, feel free to contact: Alice.busch@multco.us or 971-563-3051.
Community Emergency Response Teams
(CERT/NET in the Portland Metro Area)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
To find out more information about CERT or NET training in Portland and Multnomah County, visit the City of Portland's NET Training website or the Citizen Corps website.
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) and Community Patrol
Our Citizen Patrol members are assigned to the Columbia River Gorge national scenic area. This area is visited by over a million tourists each year. Unfortunately, many of these tourists are victims of car break-ins and theft. The Citizen Patrol members patrol the area parking lots and trail heads to identify potential problems and to deter crime.
To learn more about the Multnomah County Sheriff's Community Patrol Program, visit http://www.mcsocp.com/.
Medical Reserve Corps
The Medical Reserve Corps is a voluntary unit of licensed and certified healthcare providers that will assist Multnomah County Health Department in the health and medical response during large scale public health emergencies.
To learn more about the Multnomah County Medical Reserve Corps, contact: mrc@multco.us. Application materials can be found at the Multnomah County Medical Reserve Corps website.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
Community organizations partnering to meet the unmet needs of the community during a disaster. These organizations include: faith-based, community-based organizations (CBO), private, and non-governmental organizations (NGO).
Information for the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) state-wide in Oregon and Washington, and nation-wide across the United States can be found at:
Oregon - www.orvoad.org
Washington - www.wavoad.org
National - www.nvoad.org
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Many of the community, non-governmental and faith-based organizations in your community rely on volunteers for their regular services as well as services they provide during an disaster. Here are some local organizations that you can contact about becoming a volunteer:
The Oregon Food Bank works with a cooperative network of regional food banks, partner agencies and programs to distribute emergency food to hungry families. Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to volunteer and persons of all ages are welcome. To volunteer, use the above link to sign up online or call 503.282.0555. The local Oregon Food Bank is located at 7900 NE 33rd Drive, Portland, OR 97211.
Loaves & Fishes and Meals-On-Wheels
The non-profit organization Loaves & Fishes makes 4,000 meals a day, five days a week and delivers them to 22 senior centers and ethnic meal sites throughout Multnomah and eastern Washington Counties, as well as to frail, homebound seniors through the Meals-On-Wheels service. Call 503.736.6325
