A Block Volunteer (BV) helps communicate between neighbors on their block and VarsityParkCERT to ensure preparation for emergencies, and as a point of contact for emergencies.
A BV can have multiple roles and tasks. VarsityParkCERT volunteers with other primary roles can often serve as BV as well.
Communication: Inform neighbors about VarsityParkCERT, your role, and how to contact you. Encourage neighbors to join the VarsityParkCERT. Some BV use walkie-talkies to communicate on FRS channel 3.
Preparation: Help provide disaster preparedness information to encourage neighbors have adequate supplies for the 3-7 days they may need to be self-sufficient. Handouts exist to help provide this information.
Collect information: Collect data needed in emergencies about the households in their block, including their contact information, the people and pets living in each home, any special assistance they may need, skills and resources they may have that might be helpful in the event of widespread emergency (such as First-Aid, CPR training, generators, etc. We have spreadsheets that you can use to record gathered information.
Community building: Encourage neighbors to get to know each other. Help organize events to encourage neighbors to socialize and/or encourage others to do so.
Recruiting: Seek volunteers for VarsityParkCERT. It is vitally important to have sufficient people to:
· Serve as Block Volunteers – it would be good to have several BV for each block
· Train as CERT members and/or identify those already trained but unknown to the VarsityParkCERT leaders
· Train as Amateur Radio Operators to facilitate communication in drills and actual incidents
Action: During a drill or emergency, BV work with other VarsityParkCERT volunteers to assess the block for damage or injury, assist in communication with VarsityParkCERT command post or the city, and provide help to injured or displaced persons if possible. First make sure that you and your family are secure before turning to help others.
Recent BV event - Sun July 24, 2022 - Block Volunteer get-together in Varsity Park, 4-5.30pm.
Learn about becoming a block volunteer or block captain
Meet your neighbors, build community and work together to make your neighborhood safer
Try out FRS/GMRS radios for communication (two radios will be given away)
Water and light refreshments
Talk to your neighbors who might be interested in volunteering
More Information:
· View website and join our email groups: http://vpc.varsity-park.org
o This website has information about MV CERT training (next CERT academy starts 6 October 2022), use of walkie-talkies, volunteering opportunities, and other guidance
· VarsityParkCERT officers’ email: VPC-officers@googlegroups.com
More about Mountain View CERT: http://www.mountainview.gov/depts/fire/preparedness/cert.asp
Contacts:
Martin Griss (Leader)
address: 1325 Isabelle Avenue
phone: 650-269-4842
email: martin@griss.com
Nancy Singer (Co-Leader)
address: 1225 Isabelle Avenue
phone: 650-965-2811
email: nsinger321@gmail.com