Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team For Disaster: Understanding COOP and the Inclusion of People with Disabilities De Flounlacker Consultant, DPE & Paula Sotnik, NSIP

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Our Focus

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Communications With Members & Staff  Provide information to members about what to do during disasters; include in orientations & in-service meetings.  Phone Trees or Call Down Lists  Emergency Contact Info  If phones are out of service, a pre-designated time & location to meet. With Your Organization’s Key Contacts & Your Host Site for Service  After Hours & Emergency Contact Information  Their COOP & your program’s role

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Vital Records Types of Records to Consider  Program Data  Member Information  Grant Documentation Considerations  Electronic data should be backed up routinely & stored off site  Store records in fire-proof safe or cabinet.  ALWAYS be mindful of confidential information.

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Logistics / Administration Access  Information  Office & secure data Payroll Alternate Office Location  Easily accessed  Outside of potential disaster area  Go Kit – what should it contain?

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Services Alternative sites to conduct service Needs of those you serve may change  Can you alter your way of doing business to help them?  What steps have to be taken to do so.  Funding implications? Host Site for Service  Do they have a plan for changing the way they do business following a disaster?

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP People Members & Staff  Personal Preparedness  Special Needs  Obstacles to service & ways to mitigate  Make a plan for fewer people You  Are you prepared?

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Key Stakeholders Program Director Program Coordinator Member Host Service Site Contact Host Organization for Corps Human Resource Contact Disability Community Others?

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Local Resources Human Services Assistance  Food Bank  United Way  Information & Referral Services (2-1-1)  Centers for Independent Living  Faith Based Organizations Volunteer Centers Disaster Information  Local Office of Emergency Management (OES)  American Red Cross  Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD)

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP COOP Resources Volunteer Florida - ent/publications.html ent/publications.html Miami Dade Emergency Management and the Alliance for Human Services The NonProfit Roundtable of Greater Washington – Grantsmanship Institute –

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Semper Gumby! Remember… attitude, adaptability and flexibility are the fundamental requirements for organizational survival. Source: University of Wisconsin, Green Bay Center for Organizational Studies, 2001

Preparing Your AmeriCorps Team for Disaster: Understanding COOP Questions or Comments? Thank you! De Flounlacker