At any given time, a disaster may occur anywhere. It could be across the country, or it could be in your neighborhood. Nothing can speak to this any more that the recent events in Boulder, Colorado. With no warning or preparation for the communities, the rains fell and continued to fall until the area was thoroughly flooded. I went on a vacation to California and when I cam back, I heard of the devastation and need in that area.
I have a strong passion for helping people in disasters. Right now, I acknowledge that I’m not in a position, vocationally or location, that I can assist in the field with disaster relief and recovery. I can, however, assist in small ways in the communities I live and I can train for the day when I am able to get out frequently and assist.
One of the main ways that I train is through online education. I do attend classes offered by the American Red Cross and by the state Emergency Preparedness training that is offered occasionally. But, to maximize my training, I use various online training that is available.
Some of the many online training courses that are available are:
FEMA Independent Study Program offers several layers of training. Some of the most effective training is conducted through this site. Many of the prerequisite classes for classroom training are available here. There are also plenty of basic preparedness classes available as well.
American Red Cross Classes offers many different skills to help the volunteer prepare for the many different areas that the ARC assists. These classes are also a good introduction to the ARC and what they offer to communities.
SKYWARN Spotter Training offered by MetEd and Comet helps the volunteer learn how to describe different weather events to the National Weather Service to assist in their forecasting capabilities. Following the links at this site will also lead the voluteer to many different training to help in understanding of the disasters as they unfold.
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