2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Citizen Corps Affiliates

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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)

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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: