MRC Disaster PreparednessUnit Objectives

Describe the types of hazards to which your community is vulnerable.

Describe the functions of MRC Members. Identify preparedness steps.

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Preparing for a Disaster

MRC Members should prepare by: Identifying potential hazards in their homes and

workplaces. Reducing hazards, where possible. Developing a Family Disaster Plan. Developing a disaster supply kit.

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Responding To a Disaster

MRC Members should respond by: Locating and turning off utilities, if safe. Extinguishing small fires. Treating injuries. Conducting triage during search

and rescue. Helping to relieve survivor stress.

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Has there been a recent local emergency or disaster?

Nondisaster MRC Members Roles

MRC Members members can: Distribute preparedness materials. Staff first aid booths at special events. Assist with installation of smoke alarms.

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Citizen Corps

The President has encouraged Americans to volunteer to improve and safeguard the nation.

Areas of emphasis for volunteer efforts: Crime Natural Disasters Terrorism

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Additional MRC Members Training Opportunities

Shelter management Community relations Donations management Special needs concerns Utilities control Advanced first aid Automated External Defibrillator use CPR Skills

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Course Preview

The scope of this course includes: Fire safety. Disaster Preparedness Disaster medical operations. Shelter Operations / Mass Care MRC Members organization. Disaster psychology. MRC Members and terrorism.

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Types of Disasters

Natural Manmade

Technological Political

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Key Elements of Disasters

They are relatively unexpected. Emergency personnel may be overwhelmed. Lives, health, and the environment are

endangered.

Evanston - EMA

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You Live in the Heart

of a Disaster Prone Country

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Midwest Hazards

Thunderstorms Tornadoes Flooding Heat Earthquake Fire Winter Storms Hazardous Materials Terrorism/Violence

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A Severe Thunderstorm Is . . .

One that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour

or higher, or produces a tornado.

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Risks Posed by Thunderstorms

Lightning Hail Downbursts and straight-line winds Flash floods Tornadoes

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Thunderstorm Preparedness

Understand the risk. Learn to make a small target. Pay attention to warnings.

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During a Thunderstorm

Avoid: Water sources. The telephone. The outdoors.

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If You Are Outdoors . . .

Get away from water sources. Seek shelter in a substantial building. If necessary:

Take shelter in a car or. Go to low-lying area and make a small target.

Avoid natural lightning rods.

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A Tornado Is . . .

A powerful, circular windstorm that may be accompanied by winds in excess of 250 miles per hour.

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Risks Posed by Tornadoes

Tornadoes can: Rip trees apart. Destroy buildings. Uproot structures and objects. Send debris and glass flying. Overturn cars and mobile homes.

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Fujita Wind-Damage Scale

Measures tornado strength Six levels:

F0: Light damage F1: Moderate damage F2: Considerable damage F3: Severe damage F4: Devastating damage F5: Incredible damage

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Tornado Preparedness

Know the risk. Identify a “safe” room. Learn the community’s warning system. Conduct family tornado drills.

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Tornado Clues

High winds Very large hail

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During a Tornado . . .

Keep windows and doors closed. Go to the “safe” room. Listen to EAS or NOAA Weather Radio.

Visual 1.26Any time a body of water rises to cover what is usually dry land.

A Flood Occurs…

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Causes of Floods

Heavy rain Spring snowmelt Dam and levee failure Low absorption or no soil percolation

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Factors Contributing to Flooding

Rainfall intensity Rainfall duration Topography Soil conditions Ground cover

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Flood Hazards

Heavy rainfall exacerbates problems with runoff, absorption, and flood-control measures.

Riverine flooding can potentially inundate a city or downstream areas when protection fails.

In rocky areas, lack of absorption can cause flash flooding.

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Flood Risks

4,000 communities and 100 million people are at risk.

Damage increases with development in: Coastal areas. Floodplains.

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Flood Preparations

Know the flood risk for the area. Prepare a flood evacuation plan. Obtain flood insurance. Keep documents in a water-proof box. Check a portable radio for current information.

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Protecting Property From Flooding

Elevate furnace, water heater, and electric panel. Move furniture and other items to a higher level. Install check valves. Waterproof basements and walls.

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If You Must Evacuate

Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Keep away from waterways. Heed barricades. Avoid storm drains and irrigation ditches.

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After a Flood

Stay out of flooded areas. Reserve the telephone for emergencies. Avoid driving, except in emergencies.

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A Heat Wave Is . . .

A prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.

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Risks Associated With a Heat Wave

Heat crampsHeat exhaustionHeat/Sun stroke

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Actions to Take During a Heat Wave

Seek air conditioning. Avoid strenuous activities during the heat of the

day. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Check on family members and neighbors

especially Senior Citizens. Drink plenty of fluids.

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Preparing the Home

Install additional insulation. Protect windows. Use attic fans.

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The Midwest The Midwest isis Earthquake Earthquake CountryCountry

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An Earthquake Is . . .

A sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the Earth’s crust, caused by a sudden release of stresses, usually less than 25 miles below the

surface.

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Damage Caused by Earthquakes

Collapsed buildings Damage to utilities, structures, and roads Fires and explosions Structural instability

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Likelihood of an Earthquake

The greatest likelihood of a major earthquake is in:

The Western United States.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone in the Central U.S.

A few pockets on the east coast.

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Map Shows Damage Potential Map Shows Damage Potential

from a 7.6 Magnitude EQfrom a 7.6 Magnitude EQ

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Earthquake Statistics

15% of the population lives in zones of potential major disaster.

Residents of California face the highest risk. Four million people along the New Madrid Fault

Zone are at great risk. Residents of Massachusetts, North Carolina, and

South Carolina are also at risk.

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Richter Scale

Small: 5.0 to 5.9 Moderate: 6.0 to 6.9 Major: 7.0 to 7.9 Great: 8.0 or greater

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Earthquake Preparedness

Develop a home earthquake plan. Conduct earthquake drills. Know where all utility controls are and how to

shut them off if needed Develop a plan for reuniting family members. Identify an out-of-state family contact. Keep supplies on hand.

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Earthquake Preparedness

Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.

Secure bookshelves and water heaters. Install flexible pipe. Move beds away from windows. Move or secure hanging objects over beds,

sofas, or chairs. Keep shoes and a flashlight under the bed.

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During an Earthquake

Drop, cover, and hold –don’t run. If indoors, stay there! If outdoors, find a spot away from buildings, trees,

streetlights and power lines, and overpasses. If in a vehicle, drive to a clear spot and stop.

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After an Earthquake

Extinguish small fires. Control utilities only if needed Clean up spills. Inspect home for damage. Help neighbors. Tune to Emergency Alert System (EAS). Expect aftershocks.

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FireFire• UrbanUrban

• WildfireWildfire

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Over 3,000 people a year die in Home Fires!

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Dangers of Fire

Asphyxiation Heat Smoke

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Developing a Family Fire Plan

Install smoke alarms. Identify escape routes. Practice the escape plan. Practice alerting family members. Learn the fire department’s emergency number.

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If a Fire Starts

Get out quickly. Go to the meeting place. Call the fire department.

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If You Can’t Escape

Stuff wet cloth around doors and vents. Call the fire department. Stay low and by a window. Open windows at top and bottom. Wave a bright-colored cloth at the window.

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Preventing Fires

Conduct a home hazard hunt. Inspect wood stoves and chimneys annually. Purchase only “laboratory-tested” heaters. Keep matches and lighters away from children. Check electrical wiring. Keep combustibles away from the stove. Keep off-gassing flammable chemicals away form

combustion sources like the furnace.

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Three Classes of Wildfires

Surface fire Ground fire Crown fire

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Wildfire Preparedness

Keep a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the house.

Obtain a portable gasoline-powered water pump. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with spark

arresters. Keep fire tools handy. Use proper building and landscape design.

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During a Wildfire

Listen for emergency information. Confine pets or arrange for pets to stay with a

friend or relative. Move flammable furniture to the center of the

home. Remove flammable drapes and curtains. Close all doors and windows.

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After a Wildfire

Use caution when reentering. Inspect the roof immediately. Have propane or heating oil tanks inspected. Check the stability of trees around the home. If there is no power, check the main breaker.

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Winter StormsWinter Storms

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A Winter Storm . . .

Can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding wind-driven

snow that lasts several days.

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Winter Storm Risk

Automobile/other transportation accidents Exhaustion and heart attacks Hypothermia/Asphyxiation House fires

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Elements of Winter Storms

Heavy snow Ice Winter flooding Cold

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Types of Snow

Blizzard Blowing snow Snow squalls Snow showers

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Types of Ice

Sleet Freezing rain Ice storm

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Effects of Cold

Wind chillFrostbiteHypothermia

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Winter Storm Preparedness

Understand the risk. Prepare your home. Service snow-removal equipment. Fill your car’s gas tank. Pay attention to warnings.

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During a Winter Storm . . .

Stay indoors and dress warmly. Eat and drink regularly. Conserve fuel. If outside, protect yourself from hazards.

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Hazardous Hazardous MaterialsMaterials

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Hazardous Materials Are . . .

Substances that because of their chemical nature, pose a potential risk to life, health, or property if

they are released or used improperly.

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Sources of Hazardous Materials

Chemical plants Service stations Hospitals Hazardous materials waste sites Transport vehicles

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Hazardous Materials Incident Preparedness

Find out what could happen. Address the hazards in your family emergency

plan. Practice and maintain your plan. Learn the warning and information system for

your community.

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During a Hazardous Materials Incident

Leave the area! Report the incident. If hearing a warning, listen for instructions.

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During a Hazardous Materials Incident

Stay away from the incident site. If outside, stay upstream, uphill, and upwind. If in a motor vehicle, stop and find shelter. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. If requested, stay indoors—shelter in place.

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If Asked to Shelter in Place

Get household members and pets inside. Close and lock exterior doors and windows. Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. Go to the pre-selected safe room.

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Post-incident Actions

Do not return home until instructed. Open windows and vents and turn on fans. Follow decontamination procedures. Learn how to clean up land and property. Report any lingering hazards.

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Knowing how to handle these products and how to react during an emergency

can reduce the risk of injury.

Household Chemicals

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Symptoms of Poisoning

Difficulty breathing Irritation of eyes, skin, throat, or respiratory tract Changes in skin color Headaches, blurred vision, dizziness Clumsiness or lack of coordination Cramps or diarrhea

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Chemical Emergency Preparedness

Limit Isolate Eliminate Separate

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Household Chemical Safety

Read directions before using. Store in safe, secure location. Avoid mixing chemical products. Never smoke while using chemicals. Clean up spills immediately.

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During a Household Chemical Emergency

If poison is consumed: Find containers immediately. Call poison-control center, follow instructions.

If chemical gets into the eyes: Follow emergency instructions on container. Seek medical attention.

If a fire or explosion occurs: Evacuate residence immediately. Move upwind to avoid breathing toxic fumes. Call the fire department from outside.

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Disaster effects on Infrastructure

Disaster Effects on Infrastructure

Damage to transportation: Inability to assess damage accurately Ambulances prevented from reaching victims Police prevented from reaching areas of civil unrest Fire departments prevented from getting to fires Interruption to the flow of needed supplies

Damage to structures: Damaged hospitals unable to function normally Increased risk of damage from falling debris

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Effects on Infrastructure

Disrupted communication: Victims unable to call for help Coordination of services hampered

Damage to utilities: Loss of utilities Increased risk of fire or electrical shock Loss of contact between victims and service providers Inadequate water supply Increased risk to public health

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Hazards From Home Fixtures

Gas line ruptures from displaced water heaters or ranges

Damage from falling books, dishes, and other cabinet contents

Electric shock from displaced appliances Fire from faulty wiring, overloaded plugs, or

frayed electric cords

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Personal Safety

Personal safety measures vary depending on: The type of event. The amount of warning available. Location during the event (i.e., inside, outside,

driving).

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Home and Workplace Preparedness

Individual Preparedness & Family Preparedness Assemble disaster supplies. Develop a disaster plan. Develop a safe room.

Workplace & School Preparedness Structural and non-structural

mitigation

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Are You Ready for a Disaster?

Preparedness is the Key

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Home Hazard Hunt

Find and Reduce Hazards if you can!

•Water Heater•Utilities•External Hazards•Home Haz Mat

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Water heater

Water

Heater

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Shelves

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Inside Water Shutoff

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Circuits

Main Switch

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What are the Hazards in and around your home?

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Overhead Power Lines

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Gasoline Stored in Plastic Container

Chemicals on Lower Shelves

Paint and Chems on Lower Shelves

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Create a Family Disaster Plan

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Smoke Detector Escape Route

Bedroom

Bath

Bedroom

Living Room

Family RoomKitchen

Dining Room

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Rendezvous Points

Near and far

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Phone Lists

• Emergency Response #s

• Utilities

• Doctors/Pharmacies

• Vet

• Out of State Contact

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Checklists• Who to call

• What to Check

• What to turn Off

• What to take

• Lists of medicine

• List of Insurance

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Inside the house

Fire Extinguisher

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Garage Fire Extinguisher

Electrical Panel

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Ready Flashlights

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Commercial Car Kit

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Walking Shoes

Car Kit in Backpack

Medical Kit

tools

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Family Disaster Kit

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Evacuation

KitsIn-Place Supplies

Build Your Own Family Kit

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Know the Know the routes of routes of escape escape

wherever wherever you areyou are

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Rendezvous Point

Outside the office and away from the

building

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A N I MA L

I S S U E S

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Sample Structural Hazard Mitigation

Bolt older houses to the foundations. Strap propane tanks. Raise utilities. Strap mobile homes to their slabs. Ask a professional to check foundation, roof

connectors, chimney, etc.

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Sample Nonstructural Hazard Mitigation

Anchor heavy furniture. Secure appliances and office equipment. Secure cabinet doors with childproof fasteners. Locate and label gas, electricity, and water

shutoffs. Secure water heaters and have flexible gas lines

installed.

The EOP

Assigns responsibility to organizations and individuals

Sets forth lines of authority Describes how people and property will be

protected Identifies personnel, equipment, facilities,

supplies, and other resources

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MRC Members in a Disaster Setting

Assist first responders when requested Initially assume many of the same functions as

response personnel when necessary until help arrives: Fire safety Light search and rescue Disaster medical operations

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Unit Summary

MRC Members are among a variety of agencies and personnel who cooperate to provide assistance in the aftermath of a disaster.

MRC Members have proven themselves invaluable in the areas in which they were tested.

MRC Members have become a key component of the Citizen Corps program.

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