Recovery - Disaster Reservist Program
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WHAT IS THE DISASTER RESERVIST PROGRAM AND WHY DOES IT EXIST?
The Division of Emergency Management does not have sufficient numbers of trained disaster specialists to manage and recover from a major or catastrophic disaster. The Division has initiated a Disaster Reservist program to quickly provide additional human resources to support the states' actions in a disaster. The Division's Human Services Office is soliciting applications from Florida residents who have an interest in disaster assistance employment.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Adults with the time and commitment to complete the required training are considered for this program. In times of disaster, reservists who are called to active duty must have the ability to commit a minimum of 15 consecutive days of service. Reservists must also be able to deploy to other areas of the State and may be required to work non-traditional hours (including holidays and weekends).
ACTIVATION
Reservists may be activated in times of catastrophic, Presidentially Declared Disasters, where additional human resources may be necessary to manage and recover from the disaster event. In the event of a Disaster Reservist Activation, Reservist staff will be called up in an order that corresponds with their level of training and experience.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
At a minimum, applicants must complete the Disaster Reservist Basic Training Courses and submit a completed State Employment Application along with proof of education to the Division of Emergency Management, Reservist Cadre Manager, where a background and reference check will be completed.
TRAINING
During the year, the Division of Emergency Management may conduct training sessions specifically for reservists. This training will be both introductory and program specific. Topics covered are: Damage Assessment, Response and Recovery Operations, Recovery Centers, Mitigation Efforts, Donations, and utilization of volunteers and Community Relations. Course beginning in IS are Federal Emergency Management Agency Independent Study Courses. Links have been provided below for these training opportunities.
DISASTER RESERVIST BASIC TRAINING SERIES
- IS-7: A citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance
- IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident
- IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- IS-800: National Response Plan (NRP)
Upon completion of these courses, a copy of the certificates must be submitted to the Disaster Reservist Cadre Manager along with a State of Florida Employment Application, copies of your Social Security Card and Drivers License. Federal Emergency Management Agency Provides a certificate of completion for each Independent Study Course.
After review of these documents, you will be notified of your acceptance into the Florida Disaster Reservist program and/or certification through the Professional Disaster Reservist Series.
DISASTER RESERVIST ADVANCED
These courses are optional, but completion is encouraged
- IS-317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams
- G-275: Emergency Operations Center Management and Operations
- G-628: Human Services Training
Go to the Florida Division of Emergency Management State Training and Events Schedule to find out when and where G-628 ang G-275 are available. State Disaster Reservist training may also be scheduled upon the request of program managers (I.E. Emergency Management Directors, Citizen Emergency response Team and Citizen Corps program managers, and civic association leaders). State training and Federal Emergency Management Agency Independent Study courses are available at NO COST. If accepted into the state training courses, hotel expenses at an approved hotel can be paid if the attendee lives more than 50 miles from the training sites.
Professional Development Series (PDS)
The Professional Development Series includes seven Emergency Management Institute independent study courses that provide a well-rounded set of fundamentals for those in the emergency management profession. Many students build on this foundation to develop their careers.
Students who complete all the courses will receive a Professional Development Series Certificate of Completion. The courses, in recommended order of completion, are:
- IS230 Principles of Emergency Management
- IS235 Emergency Planning
- IS242 Effective Communication
- IS241 Decision Making and Problem Solving
- IS240 Leadership and Influence
- IS244 Developing and Managing Volunteers
- IS139 Exercise Design
PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A PROFESSIONAL DISASTER SERIES CERTIFICATE FROM THE STATE AFTER COMPLETION OF THE 7 PROFESSIONAL LEVEL COURSES
AUTHORITY
This Reservist Program will be established and maintained under the Florida State Statutes 252.311(3)
For additional information about the Reservist Program or Training, please contact:
RESERVIST CADRE MANAGER
Sara Whitehead
Sara.Whitehead@em.myflorida.com
Phone: 850-413-9817
Fax: 850-922-3388
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Bureau of Recovery
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100
Updated:
January 14, 2009 14:35
