As we all know, two sections of our country are suffering two separate events: Hurricane Florence in the southern States and the gas line explosions in Massachusetts. The American Red Cross has sent the following message:"The New Jersey Region continues to support the response to both Hurricane Florence and the explosions in Massachusetts. There are a significant number of open positions that need qualified Red Cross workers. If you have availability for a 2 week deployment and are not currently assigned or covering a crucial role here in our region, please update your Disaster Responder Availability in Volunteer Connections. This is the fastest, most efficient way for us to be able to deploy you. If you do not know how to adjust your availability, there are instructions posted in Volunteer Connections under the Group All Employees and Volunteers that you can download. Please adjust this availability so that we can get you out and fulfilling the Red Cross Mission.” Current Red Cross volunteers should keep their deployment availability updated in Volunteer Connection. For those who are not Red Cross volunteers and would like to deploy with Red Cross, they will be opening and announcing the Direct Deployment recruitment process on Sunday. Please be aware that these deployments are likely for a two week period of time. feel free to contact your local Red Cross Chapter for more information. Should any one deploy, please let us know. There are resources that are available for distribution pertaining to both disasters. Tips to strengthen your emotional well-being before the arrival of a hurricane http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-preparation.aspx Managing traumatic stress: After the hurricanes http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-stress.aspx Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Children http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/tornadoes-kids.aspx Managing traumatic stress: Dealing with the hurricanes from afar http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-afar.aspx Strengthening your emotional well being ahead of the flood http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/flood-preparation.aspx Manage flood-related distress by building resilience http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/flood-distress.aspx What psychologists do on disaster relief operations http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/disaster-site.aspx Residential Fires: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/residential-fire.aspx. If you have questions or information that we can add to resources, please feel free to pass it on to us. Ray Hanbury, PhD APA Disaster Resource Network Coordinator Email: [email protected] |