Resource Center to Host Disaster Preparedness Training

WAITSBURG – Last March, the Waitsburg Resource Center board purchased 60 emergency blankets and 100 hand-generated flashlights to aid the community in the case of disaster. The WRC will continue their emergency preparedness efforts by hosting a disaster preparedness course on May 6.

Flood warnings from The National Weather Service for Walla Walla and Columbia counties in February have kept residents on alert this winter. To date, runoff from a high snow pack combined with exceptionally heavy rains have caused significant road damage across the region, but has failed to develop into an all-out disaster.

But the close call has been a reminder of just one of the types of emergencies the Waitsburg Resource Center is working to help residents prepare for.

Last year, the WRC learned of an MGT 405 Mobilizing Faith-Based Community Organizations in Preparing for Disaster course offered in Colfax. The board approached the Center for Rural Development, that provides the training, to see if a course could be offered locally.

The agency had exhausted its funding at that time, but recently contacted the WRC to say that new funds had become available. The free eight-hour course, which has been developed to meet the needs of citizen and community volunteers, emergency management personnel, and government administrators, will take place at the Waitsburg Christian Church from 8 a.m.- 5 pm. on May 6.

The course will address emergency preparedness issues, including transportation, housing, infrastructure systems, mass care services, operations coordination, planning, public and private services resources, and public information and warning.

The planning and management-level course trains representatives from faith-based community organizations (FBCO) such as religious charities, nonprofits such as the Waitsburg Resource Center and the American Red Cross, churches, etc. in how to strategically mobilize their members in the case of an emergency.

Instructor Chris Herring travels the country to teach the MGT 405 course, which emphasizes grassroots mobilization and coordination efforts. It introduces vital management concepts to FBCO leaders who may have had no prior experience with emergency management, and seeks to educate first responders about the critical role FBCOs can play in strengthening preparedness in rural communities.

According to the RCD website, FBCOs have been leaders in responding to disasters and emergencies by providing shelter, food, mobilizing volunteers, rebuilding structures, and reaching out to vulnerable populations.

"The MGT 405 course is designed to bring together the faith community with emergency government managers and non-governmental organizations, and to prepare them to collaborate in preparing for disaster. We know that is often easier said than done," Herring said, noting that each community and organization is unique.

"When the attendees leave, they will have specific tools that allow them to go back and do specific things that will strengthen the resiliency of the community," he added.

The course will also introduce FBCO leaders to the many resources available to them. The course is certified by the Department of Homeland Security and is offered free of charge to qualifying rural jurisdictions.

At least 20 people must register to offer the course. Members of local churches, first responders, and management-level emergency managers in the Starbuck, Prescott, Waitsburg, Dixie, and Dayton are encouraged to attend. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Registration and additional information can be found by searching for "Waitsburg" or "Mobilizing Faith-Based Community Organizations" at http://www.eventbrite.com or by visiting the direct link at http://bit.ly/2lqzbsi. Attendees can also register by calling Dena at (509) 520-3183 or emailing denalwood@gmail.com.