Volunteers

WHAT TRAININGS ARE THERE?

EWAC TEAM TRAINING

In the event of an airborne release of radioactive materials, BCEM may direct workers and residents within certain Emergency Planning Zones to go to an Emergency Worker Assistance Center (EWAC). Once there, they will be checked for radioactive contamination, decontaminated if necessary, registered for future health monitoring and sheltered until evacuation orders are lifted. In the EWAC Team classes, participants will learn the necessary skills to help with radiation monitoring and decontamination.

EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER (EOC) OVERVIEW

Tour the Benton County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and gain a working knowledge of EOC operations and equipment. Learn the role volunteers may play during an emergency response.

SANDBAG/FLOOD TRAINING CLASS

Learn the proper way to fill and place sandbags to prevent or reduce flood damage. Other flood-related training will also be covered. Be ready the next time the river starts to rise!

BASIC & ADVANCED MOULAGE TRAINING

Looks real, doesn’t it? Learn the art of applying mock injuries for the purpose of training emergency response teams. Class participants will use pre-made “wounds”, as well as makeup and props, to simulate everything from a small cut to a broken limb or head wound.

HOW ELSE CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?

Benton County Emergency Management supports the Benton City COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters).

COADs provide another way for residents to assist their communities in preparing for and responding to local disasters.

The Benton City COAD was formed after a June 2000 wildfire burned a dozen homes and many more outbuildings in the city. The disaster came just four years after the Yakima River flooded nearly 25 percent of the city.

The Benton City COAD is committed to assisting the community before, during and after a disaster.

Before disaster strikes, the COAD focuses on emergency preparedness education, along with developing a data base of local resources that can be called upon in response to a disaster.

During the disaster, the COAD is tasked with staffing an information center for residents, maintaining effective communications using telephones and bulletin boards, and distributing food, water and other resources.

After the disaster, the COAD can assist with cleanup, provide information about what disaster assistance if available and share information on local resources.

The Benton City COAD meets quarterly at the Benton County Fire Protection District 2 station in Benton City. For more information, call the COAD at (509) 588-5848.