About Disasters
Kinds of disasters
Kinds of disasters - The majority of NECHAMA’s response efforts are focused on clean-up after floods and tornados. Other flood relief includes pumping water out of buildings, and cleaning up from receding flood waters. NECHAMA comes in with generators and pressure washers to turn muddy floors back into livable areas. We help wipe down and disinfect entire houses so victims can more quickly return to their routine. Tornados going through residential area leave a tremendous path of destruction. NECHAMA is there with chain saws and hauling equipment to remove fallen trees and clear debris and rubble from tornado stricken areas.
What to expect at a disaster scene
What to expect at a disaster scene – You will deal with a variety of different problems depending on the kind of disaster (i.e. flooding, tornado, other). The most accurate description of what to expect is to “expect the unexpected”.
In most cases, the group won’t know specifically what it will be doing until arriving on-scene. There are times when we have a good idea what to expect. Generally, scouts or a small advance team are sent ahead to determine the scope of activity. However, the key word is remain flexible, open minded, and willing to do whatever is required. No job is more important than the rest when so many things need to be done.
Disaster volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks. In the past, the most common NECHAMA volunteer tasks have been:
The work is not a glamour assignment. You may spend long, stressful hours or days in dirty conditions. If there is an overnight component, you may be on cots in a school gymnasium. You may miss meals and the food will most certainly not be gourmet!
But as difficult as the work may be, disaster volunteers consistently report that they have received more than they've given when they show up to help.
Our primary task is clean-up. We want to ensure we don’t get in the way of other emergency workers or crews.
Many volunteers may be needed to help respond to and recover from a major disaster. Volunteers can help more effectively if they have registered with NECHAMA in advance, and have trained for disaster work before a disaster hits.
Preparing for a deployment
Below is general information that will help you prepare for responding to a deployment. Each deployment is different and depends one what is required for the specific disaster response. Specific information is made available prior to a specific deployment via:
NECHAMA Information Hotline: 763-732-0610 ext. 3
NECHAMA Web site: Current Deployment Information
We suggest checking these sources frequently when preparing for deployments. Because of the nature of the work, circumstances change frequently.
Be sure to call the hotline shortly before leaving home for the deployment. There may be changes in plans, and it is even possible that a deployment might be cancelled or rescheduled at the last minute.
We suggest that you keep your tetanus immunizations current.
What to wear
Wear old clothes that you can afford to be ruined. Probably the most important issues is to wear sturdy boots or shoes that will protect your feet from sharp objects, wet and muddy environments. Wear a cap for protection from the sun. If possible, bring gloves (preferably leather) and waterproof boots. For flood work (especially) you may want to bring a full change of clothes. Consider that you may not want to drive home in wet or flood contaminated clothing. For tornado cleanup, you should consider long pants and long sleeve shirt to protect against tree branches or other sharp objects.
NECHAMA provides gloves, rubber boots and other protective clothing and gear. However, feel free to bring your own gloves or protective clothing. We suggest rain gear if the weather or environment indicate it might be needed. Wear layers of clothing as temperatures and wind conditions may vary drastically and quickly. Dress for the weather forecast … and dress in layers!!
What to bring
In addition to proper clothing and footwear consider the following:
What NOT to bring
We suggest leaving most valuables at home. NECHAMA cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen items. NECHAMA has a zero tolerance policy for weapons, handguns, alcohol, and possession or use of controlled substances. If you are suspected of using or having these in your possession, you will be asked to leave the work area.
Transportation
For most deployments volunteers will meet at a pre-determined staging point and travel to the disaster sight together. Anyone is free to drive their own vehicle or ride-share. If you do not want to drive your own vehicle, there is ample parking at the staging point. Please inform the volunteer coordinator or deployment manager, and they will try to hook you up with someone to ride with.
For longer distance deployments the group may go up and back in a chartered bus.
Training and safety
NECHAMA maintains ongoing equipment training for its volunteers. Those willing and able are shown operation and safety instruction on chain saws and pressure washers. No one is permitted to operate (potentially dangerous) equipment without receiving authorization from a senior NECHAMA volunteer or the manager.
Teenager and child participation
Teenagers - Anyone age 13 - 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. That person must also sign a Waiver and Release of Liability on the teenager's behalf. We require that young teenagers be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Children Under 13 years of age - NECHAMA recognizes the benefit of having families do volunteering and Tikkun Olam together. We also recognize the significant risks and potential dangers at all disaster sites. The nature of disaster cleanup work is generally not something that young children can handle or on which they will retain their focus. Therefore, we do not allow children under 13 years of age.
