| Disaster Response Training Courses |
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The following disaster response training courses are open to the public but are designed primarily for those individuals wishing to begin or continue training for the local Disaster Action Team (DAT) or the National Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) System. All courses are free of charge and subject to change.
So that we can have sufficient training materials, please register at least one week prior to the class. Classes will be held at the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem.
Courses may be taken:
- online (through the Red Cross Learning Management System),
- in an instructor-led classroom setting, or
- through blended learning (a combination of online instruction and an instructor-led classroom setting.)
Prior to registering for any disaster response training courses, all prospective disaster volunteers must have completed a volunteer application, basic background check and must attend the "New Volunteer Orientation" hosted by Bob Duld, chief operating officer. Contact Robert J. Duld at 610-865-4400, ext. 229, or at DuldR@usa.redcross.org for the next available orientation class.
Upon completion of the orientation, you can register for a disaster response training class by contacting Nina Johnson, manager-disaster services, at 610-865-4400, ext. 227, or at JohnsonNi@usa.redcross.org or filling out the registration form. For online training, you must call Nina Johnson to get access to the Learning Management System.
List of Disaster Training Classes
Introduction to Disaster Services
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services online course is to engage and
inspire the public to actively participate in supporting American Red Cross
disaster response. This self-study course will introduce learners to American
Red Cross Disaster Services and allow them to discover how volunteers support
this critical mission and to explore ways they can become involved in a local
chapter.
This course is a prerequisite to all other Disaster Services training.
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Bulk Distribution Operations
The purpose of this course is to prepare participants for the roles, responsibilities and tasks
involved in setting up, operating and supporting a Bulk Distribution operation in the chapter and
on a disaster relief operation.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
- Mass Care Overview
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Monday |
November 1, 2010 |
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
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Client Assistance Cards: Caseworkers Course
This course consists of three modules that introduce caseworkers
to the role of issuing Client Assistance Cards. (2 hours online; pre-req: Client Casework:
Providing Emergency Assistance) This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning
Management System for which you will need a password. Call Nina Johnson at 610-865-4400, ext. 227.
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Client Assistance Cards: Financial and Statistical Information (FSI) Management Workers
This online course consists of four modules that lead FSI workers through the caseworker's
role of issuing Client Assistance Cards. It also addresses how FSI workers distribute,
control and track cards. (2 hours online; pre-req: Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance)
This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning Management System for which you will need
a password. Call Nina Johnson at 610-865-4400, ext. 227.
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Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance
An instructor-led, video-supported course designed to train Red Cross caseworkers
how to conduct effective client interviews and provide appropriate assistance to help
meet a client's immediate disaster-caused or disaster-aggravated needs.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
November 20, 2010 |
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
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Day of Disaster Response Training
This class is a combination of three classes – Mass Care Overview,
Shelter Operations and Shelter Simulation. It provides information and training on
how the Red Cross provides care to groups of people impacted by a disaster. See
separate classes for detailed descriptions of each section.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
September 11, 2010 |
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Must attend entire day for certification |
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Disaster Assessment Basics
Disaster Assessment Basics is an instructor-led, basic level course.
The course encompasses the tasks and responsibilities of the Disaster Assessment
activity on a disaster relief operation. The course includes a section on local disaster
incidents, which may be customized by the instructor for a local disaster program.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Disaster Frontline Supervisor
The purpose of this course is to prepare supervisors to lead a team of
disaster workers to deliver high quality client service and to create a climate that
promotes worker satisfaction.
Prerequisites:
- Applicants should have the training and experience equivalent to a
Service Associate in an activity in which she or he expects to become a supervisor.
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Disaster Frontline Supervisor Simulation
The purpose of the simulation is to provide participants an
opportunity to practice their supervisory knowledge and skills in
leading teams that deliver high quality service and to create a
climate that promotes worker satisfaction.
Prerequisites:
- Applicants should have the training and experience equivalent to a
Service Associate in an activity in which she or he expects to become a supervisor.
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command Liaison
The purpose of this basic Disaster Services course is to prepare
Red Cross employees and volunteers who will be assigned to government and emergency
settings to work collaboratively with Red Cross partners, helping to ensure a
coordinated response that results in effective service delivery.
Prerequisites:
Required:
- Collaborating to Ensure Effective Service Delivery
- Sufficient operations knowledge and experience to provide a functional understanding of the concepts, principles and procedures associated with disaster assessment, sheltering, feeding, the provision of individual assistance and the basics of operations management needed to participate adequately in the discussions and activities contained in this course.
Recommended:
- Although not course prerequisites, the following Federal Emergency Management Agency independent study courses are required to continue working in the Government Liaison activity:
- IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200 Basic Incident Command System
- IS-700 National Incident Management System
- IS-800 National Response Plan
- Additionally, the following FEMA course is recommended for Government Liaisons:
- IS-650 Building Partnerships with Tribal Governments
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Foundations of Disaster Mental Health
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services training is to prepare
licensed mental health professionals to provide for and respond to the
psychological needs of people across the continuum of disaster preparedness,
response and recovery.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Mental health professional with a current state license include:
- Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- A registered nurse (RN) with psychiatric nursing experience and training beyond the normal rotation required for a RN
- Social Worker
Recommended:
- Working With Total Diversity
- Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Friday |
September 24, 2010 |
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
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Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
The purpose of this course is to enable participants to translate their care and compassion into community action, through a uniform message. The
participants will be able to assess how to use their skills and abilities to
strengthen the capacity of both the community and the Red Cross to better serve people affected by disaster. They will understand the mission of the Red Cross, the principles and values that support the mission and the expected behaviors of Red Cross volunteers and employees in the
conduct of that mission and then will be given the next steps.
Prerequisites:
- None
Recommended:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Tuesday |
August 24, 2010 |
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
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Fundamentals of Staff Services
This online course prepares volunteers to support the staffing function
during a disaster operation. (3 hours online; pre-req: none) This online class is offered
through the Red Cross Learning Management System for which you will need a password.
Call Nina Johnson at 610-865-4400, ext. 227.
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Health Services Response Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to prepare licensed or certified health professionals
to either work in their local chapter jurisdiction or be deployed to a Red Cross disaster
relief operation and function as health professionals within the Health Services Protocols.
Prerequisites:
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
Recommended:
- Serving People with Disabilities Following a Disaster
- Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance
- Shelter Operations
- Staff Health: Deploying a Healthy Workforce
- Client Assistance System training
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
October 23, 2010 |
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM |
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Logistics: An Overview
The purpose of this course is to provide basic information about the processes of Material Support Services activities in support of an American Red Cross disaster relief operation. Participants will learn about the skills, abilities and knowledge needed by Material Support Services workers and how they can become involved in their local chapter.
Prerequisites:
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Tuesday |
November 2, 2010 |
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
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Mass Care Overview
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services training is to provide an
overview of the activities performed by the Mass Care group in support of a disaster relief operation.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
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Mass Casualty Disaster
An instructor-led and video-supported course designed to prepare employees and volunteers to plan for and respond to mass casualty disasters.
The course combines presentations and class discussions and uses real-world examples to explore the four types of mass casualty disasters and the Red Cross' role in planning and response
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Must have responded to a large disaster either within their community
or on a DSHR assignment.
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
October 30, 2010 |
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
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Orientation to Disaster Response
The purpose of this training is to orientate new volunteers to the location of supplies and the necessary items needed in order to respond to any disaster. The class will show you exactly where cots, blankets and necessary supplies are located. It will also show you how to restock and be ready for the next event. This course is mandatory for all volunteers to ensure their readiness to response.
Location: This training is held at the Augie Seidel, Jr. Disaster Operations Center
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Orientation to the Red Cross
- At least one other basic disaster class
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Thursday |
August 12, 2010 |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday |
August 28, 2010 |
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Thursday |
September 9, 2010 |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday |
September 25, 2010 |
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Thursday |
October 7, 2010 |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday |
October 23, 2010 |
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Thursday |
November 4, 2010 |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday |
November 20, 2010 |
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Thursday |
December 2, 2010 |
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday |
December 18, 2010 |
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
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Preparing for and Managing a Spontaneous Volunteer Workforce
An online course that provides Red Cross staff with the knowledge and skills to prepare for,
manage and maximize the use of a spontaneous volunteer workforce during a disaster event.
(3 hours online; pre-req: none) This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning
Management System for which you will need a password. Call Nina Johnson at 610-865-4400, ext. 227.
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Preparing for the Unexpected
The purpose of this American Red Cross Preparing for the Unexpected presentation is to provide families, communities, and businesses with information about how they can prepare for any type of disaster, including a terrorist attack, and to respond to direction from authorities.
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Psychological First Aid
The purpose of this course is to prepare all American Red Cross workers to provide basic care, comfort and support to people who are experiencing disaster-related stress.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Thursday |
September 23, 2010 |
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM |
| Saturday |
December 4, 2010 |
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
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Serving People with Disabilities Following a Disaster
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services course is to outline Red Cross policies and practices related to providing services to people with disabilities following a disaster.
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
October 2, 2010 |
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
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Shelter Operations
The purpose of this basic level Disaster services course is to prepare employees and volunteers of the Red Cross and other agencies to manage shelter operations effectively and sensitively as a team, while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Mass Care Overview
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Shelter Simulation
The purpose of this training is to provide participants an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful shelter operation.
Prerequisites:
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
- Mass Care Overview
- Shelter Operations
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Staff Health: An Overview
This online course consists of four learning modules and a final assessment that reside
on the Red Cross Learning Management System (LMS). The course will familiarize participants
with the mission and services provided by the Staff Health activity. (3 hour online; pre-req: none)
This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning Management System for which
you will need a password. Call Nina Johnson at 610-865-4400, ext. 227.
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Staff Health: Working on Disaster Relief Operations
This online course consists of four separate learning modules that reside on the
Red Cross Learning Management System (LMS). The course will familiarize participants
with their duties as workers in the Staff Health activity. (3 hour online; pre-req: none)
This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning Management System for
which you will need a password. Call Nina Johnson at 610-865-4400, ext. 227.
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Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism: An Overview
The purpose of this course is to provide basic information about the issues and safety concerns in performing our work in an environment involving a Weapons of Mass Destruction and/or Terrorism (WMD/T) incident. Participants will learn about the skills, abilities, and knowledge needed by disaster workers providing duties in this environment.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Friday |
November 19, 2010 |
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
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Workforce Planning and Acquisition
This online course provides Workforce Planning and Acquisition workers with skills
needed and knowledge of their roles and responsibilities, expectations and procedures.
(3 hours online; pre-req: none) This online class is offered through the Red Cross
Learning Management System for which you will need a password. Call Nina Johnson at 610-865-4400, ext. 227.
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Introduction to Disaster Services