Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Volunteer Reception Center

The Pentagon

Bridge Minneapolis

Texas Weather

When it happens, they will come…

……. to the Volunteer Reception Center Good plans lead to Good decisions

PURPOSE OF VRC PLAN To outline: Concept of operations Organizational arrangement Responsibilities for coordination of efforts

PURPOSE OF VRC PLAN To provide guidance: In the management of volunteers and establishment of VRCs.

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS Preparedness Response Demobilization

PREPAREDNESS Primary agency Supporting agencies

PREPAREDNESS Assign positions/roles

ROLES VRC Director VRC PIO

ROLES VRC Safety VRC Liaison

ROLES VRC Logistics VRC Operations

PREPAREDNESS Review and update plans

PREPAREDNESS Train and exercise staff

PREPAREDNESS Facilities

FACILITIES Communications

FACILITIES Traffic flow

FACILITIES Parking Delivery

PREPAREDNESS SUPPLIES

Choose items that may serve more than one purpose

SUPPLIES SIGNS

RESPONSE Activation and notification Set up the VRC Register, assign and train volunteers Public information, communication, and phone bank Safety and security of VRC Rehabilitation of staff

Activation RESPONSE

Notification RESPONSE

VRC Set Up

Phone Bank Area

REGISTER, ASSIGN AND TRAIN VOLUNTEERS Process of registering Orientation Affiliated and non-affiliated Assessment of skills Assignment Safety and assignment training

Skill assessment

Volunteer Processing Area

Volunteer Training Area

Training and Safety

ID management and credentials

SAFETY AND SECURITY Identify any health and safety hazard in or around VRC and take appropriate action Security onsite at all time Prevent prohibited substances, weapons, or alcohol on premises

Secure storage

Post Evacuation Routes

Staff Rehabilitation Hygiene needs of staff Separate area for breaks Food and beverages

DEMOBILIZATION Demobilization plan will be in place and the VRC Director in conjunction with Operations will decide when the VRC should close.

DEMOBILIZATION VRC Logistics will handle facility closure, supply storage, and rental equipment return.

DEMOBILIZATION Debriefing VRC staff and volunteers

DEMOBILIZATION Reports

Questions?

Acknowledgements The VRC Template development and costs were supported by grant funding through Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program. The template was originally developed through FEMA and further refined by Seattle/Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Planning Team from which Harris County adapted for this region.

Contact Information: Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Carol Manousos Regional Planner