Answers

1)      An out of state contact is a family member or friend who lives out of state or out of an immediate disaster area. This person is designated as a contact person so split families or friends can keep in touch and updated on each others status.

2)      The first priority for an EVC volunteer is to ensure that they are prepared for disasters themselves. That includes stocking water, and non perishable food supplies.

3)      It could take disaster responders up to a week or more to reach a severely damaged area, as roads may be closed and conditions may still be dangerous.

4)      An EVC aids disaster response in several ways. First, it allows disaster response and government agencies to function without the interruption of spontaneous volunteers. Second, in many disaster situations companies, businesses, and disaster response agencies find that many of their workers are unable to work and perform essential tasks. Spontaneous volunteers can fill these rolls.  Third, an EVC allows people to help each other and builds a sense of community.

5)      There are three steps to volunteer intake. The first step is reception where a potential volunteer is greeted, given information about volunteering, and fills out necessary paper work. The second step is an interview where the volunteer’s skills and abilities are assessed. The third step is placement where the volunteer is referred.

6)      The primary EVC will be located at Canoles Hall at the First Presbyterian Church 1510 on Fifth Ave. The secondary EVC location is Elks Club Lodge at 1312 Mission Ave.

7)      It is the Job Opportunities Coordinator’s job to act as liaison with third party agencies, survey their volunteer needs, and then post this information for interviewers on a Job Opportunities Board.

8)      Sonoma county has a well established, respected, and active, EVC program.

9)      The Red Cross estimates that some 50,000 good Samaritans would show up to help their neighbors in a disaster. 

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