Citizen Corps Mission To have everyone in America participate in making themselves, our communities, and our nation safer We all have a role in hometown security a personal responsibility to be prepared; to get training in first aid and emergency skills; and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disaster relief, and community safety.

The Need to be Ready In 95% of all emergencies, bystanders or victims themselves are the first to provide emergency assistance or to perform a rescue Los Angeles Fire Department

First Responders Per Capita 1 firefighter for every 265 people 1.1 million firefighters – 750,000 volunteer 1 sworn officer for every 334 people 436,000 sworn law enforcement personnel 291,000 sworn sheriff’s office personnel 1 EMT/paramedic for every 325 people 890,000 all levels of pre-hospital services: basic EMT, intermediate EMT, paramedic Journal of Emergency Medical Services (2004); National Fire Protection Association (2003); National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (2003)

State Citizen Corps Councils Office of Grants and Training National Citizen Corps Council Citizen Preparedness ~ Training & Exercises ~ Volunteer Service Federal Partner Programs Affiliate Affiliate Are You Ready? Are You Ready? Programs Programs DHS DOJ/NSA DOJ/IACP DHS/G&T DHHS/OSG DHS/USFA NVFC/IAFF/IAFC State Citizen Corps Councils American Public Tribal / Local Citizen Corps Councils American Public American Public Citizen Corps Council

Citizen Corps Programs Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) works to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers Neighborhood Watch/USAonWatch incorporates terrorism awareness education into its existing crime prevention mission The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates and trains citizens in basic disaster response skills The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program helps medical, public health, and other volunteers offer their expertise Program partners and Affiliates to provide training, resources, expertise Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen advocates to provide support to fire and rescue departments

Citizen Corps Affiliates Programs and organizations that provide: - materials and resources for public education or training; - volunteer service opportunities to support first responders, disaster relief activities, and community safety efforts; or - represent volunteers with an interest in homeland security Coordination and mutual support of respective activities The interest level that Citizen Corps has sparked since it’s announcement and the breadth of activities that are already taking place across the country encouraged us to develop an affiliate program to work formally with those programs and organizations that support the mission of helping citizens prevent, prepare for, and respond to crime, disasters, pressing health needs, and other emergencies.

Citizen Corps Affiliates

Citizen Corps Approach National network of state/local/tribal Citizen Corps Councils to: - tailor activities to the community - build on community strengths to develop and implement a local strategy for all to participate National Voice – National public awareness and media campaign

Citizen Corps Councils Membership First responder/emergency management (law, fire, EMS/EMT, public works) Volunteer community Elected officials Business leaders School systems representatives Transportation sector Media executives Minority and special needs representation Leadership from community sub-structure

Citizen Corps Councils Responsibilities Build on community strengths to develop strategic plans for the whole community, including special needs groups Focus on public education, training, and volunteer opportunities for community and family safety Ensure citizens are connected to emergency alert systems Promote and oversee Citizen Corps programs Provide opportunities for special skills and interests Organize special projects/community events Capture smart practices and report accomplishments

Surge Capacity Volunteer Engaging the Public Citizen preparedness and participation may begin differently for each person. Aware of steps to take Ad Hoc / Year Round Volunteer Taking Independent Action Surge Capacity Volunteer Training & Exercises

Citizen Corps Local Strategy and Implementation Increased collaboration between government and community leaders. Neighborhoods / HOAs Schools/Univ Places of worship Critical Infrastr Private Sector Public Sector Military Bases Recreation Shopping Malls Hospitality Transportation P R E A D C I T Z N S Terrorism Collaboration & Planning Public Ed & Outreach / Alerts-Warnings Training and Exercises Volunteer Opportunities S P E C I A L N D Crime Medical Emergencies Public Health x x + = Technological Hazards Natural Hazards + Household Emergencies All Hazards (Year round and in crisis)

Citizen Corps Community Benefits Greater sense of security, responsibility, and personal control Builds community pride, unity and patriotism Promotes risk reduction, mitigation, and preparedness practices Prepares us all for helping others in a crisis

Citizen Corps: Benefits for Emergency Responders Year round support through volunteer programs Reduces burden on first responder services by promoting mitigation and preparedness measures Creates well trained, better informed, and better prepared citizens to take care of themselves and others during times of crisis -- allowing first responders to address the most critical needs

National Citizen Corps Council Leaders of national organizations promote the Citizen Corps mission, foster collaboration, and support State, tribal, local levels. Subcommittees: - Emergency Management & Public Works - Emergency Medical and Public Health Services - Fire Service - Law Enforcement - Intergovernmental Organizations - Volunteer Service - Private Sector and Trade Associations - Disabilities Advocacy Organizations

Citizen Corps Councils Law Enforcement Fire Service Emergency Medical Emergency Management National Citizen Corps Council Intergovernmental Volunteer Service Private Sector Individuals with Disabilities State Citizen Corps Councils Tribal/Local Citizen Corps Councils

Citizen Corps in National Policy - Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8 (paragraphs 22 and 23) - National Preparedness Goal * Vision Statement * National Priorities - Target Capabilities List - State and Urban Strategies - Homeland Security Grant Program - Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program - National Response Plan

UNIVERSAL RISK-BASED TARGET Community Preparedness CAPABILITIES: Prevent Protect Recover Respond VOLUNTEER Surge and Year Round RISK-BASED Community Preparedness and Participation TARGET CAPABILITIES: ER (Firefighters, Sworn Officers, EMT/Paramedics) < 1% US pop

Office of Community Preparedness 2019 Goals AWARENESS: elevate understanding and call to action for community preparedness PARTNERSHIPS: build and enhance relationships between government and non-governmental entities at all levels DHS INTEGRATION: include community preparedness in all policy, guidance, and evaluations TOOLS and BEST PRACTICES: technical assistance, products, and recognition to support Councils ACCOUNTABILITY: to the American public ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE: workforce, environment, and performance

What YOU Can Do Help form Citizen Corps Councils and start the programs in your community Partner with volunteer organizations, elected leadership, private sector and educational groups Help your neighbors and your community with public education, risk assessment, training, and volunteer participation Mentor others After discussing these and other areas where the audience can help, transition to the next slide by saying something like … I hope that you now have a clear understanding of the Citizen Corps mission and some clear ideas for ways you can contribute your skills and energy making our country safer. In closing, I want to reiterate the urgency of our mission to have everyone participate in their own safety and the safety of their community.

www.citizencorps.gov Contact us at: dn299@msstate.edu 601-669-0971 Includes preparedness materials, information on programs and affiliates, and a listing of all Councils nationwide. Contact us at: dn299@msstate.edu 601-669-0971