Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is partnering with county and local agencies to expand the regional reach of its disaster preparedness program in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Two of the staff responsible for coordinating the SEPA VOAD program saw the value of strong regional partnerships when they served in the American Red Cross disaster relief operation in response to the wildfires in Southern California in late October and early November.

General Robert French, newly appointed director of the Pennsylvania Emergency management Agency (PEMA), keynoted the SEPA VOAD regional meeting in Philadelphia.

More than 50 volunteers from SEPA VOAD and the American Red Cross teamed up on November 17 to sharpen their sheltering skills. They participated in an interactive drill at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale - a VOAD member - to learn hands-on techniques in disaster shelter operations.

Amidst groaning and screaming, the official told victim volunteer Tom Ollila that he was unconscious and should just lie down. Two men in HAZMAT suits picked him up and carried him through the crowd, through the shower simulators and to a line where he would regain consciousness again...

More than 15,000 people received disaster preparedness materials through "Preparedness, Spread the Word," a new effort to recruit the faith-based community in educating their congregants on how to prepare for disaster.

Preparedness is serious business, and VOAD gave it the attention it deserved during National Preparedness Month in September. Working with the Emergency Services department of the American Red Cross, VOAD participated in more than 60 events...

Terrorism and the use of weapons of mass destruction, though a reality far back into our history as a nation, have become not only a hot-button issue but also a real concern for disaster planners.

During the past months, SEPA VOAD has built on its partnership with the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, not only by delivering "Be Red Cross Ready" disaster preparedness presentations but also by designing a bilingual instructor program.

Frances Conwell brings an impressive array of human service experience to VOAD with her years of social work and training. After helping the United Way with post-Katrina response, she explored volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross. Frances became involved with Citizen Corps in 2006.

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is a national organization whose primary mission is long-term rebuilding and response after major domestic disasters. LDR operates out of a very small central office in Chicago has approximately 40 affiliate offices around the country, supported by local Social Ministry Organizations.

VOAD would like to extend special thanks to. . .

VOAD has some volunteer opportunities that you may be interested in. More opportunities will follow.