Information on how to help others

Becoming a Disaster Relief Volunteer provides an excellent opportunity for hands on service to people in need. Training is open to any member of a Southern Baptist church who is at least 18 years of age. Attending training does not obligate you to serve but is necessary before serving.

 

General information for all training events:
Please note you must be 18 years of age and a member of a Missouri Baptist church to be certified as a Missouri Disaster Relief Volunteer. All trainees must submit a background check request, attend Introduction to Disaster Relief as well as retrain every five years in any class of your choice to remain a certified volunteer. Those training in Chaplaincy, refer to the Chaplaincy information below. For convenience and efficiency we plan to offer all types of training at every location. Forms are available on our website for your convenience.

Policy concerning non-Southern Baptists:
Non-Missouri Southern Baptists may receive training at a reduced cost (currently $20) for all areas except Chaplaincy, Assessment, Blue Hat, and Child Care and serve as a “walk on” but not be certified or have the Disaster Relief badge, cap or shirt. Those serving as a “walk on” will need a letter from either the Southern Baptist pastor they are involved in disaster relief with, or from their own pastor as well as a signed background check authorization.

Registration fees and requirements:

• Registration fee for first time volunteers is currently $40*.
• for those retraining and who do not need clothing items, the current fee is $20*.
• Blue hat trainees will have the additional cost for your blue hat; currently $10.
• Chaplain training (refer below for Chaplaincy information)
  *Registration fee is payable at the door or online when registering. Checks should be made payable to Missouri Baptist Convention.

Chaplaincy registration information:
Training begins at 1 pm on Friday and will continue on Saturday.  You will need:

1. previous training in other areas as well as on the job experience to attend this class.
2. a letter of recommendation signed by your Pastor or Director of Missions.
3. a signed statement concerning use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.
4. must submit a background check request on-line.

First time chaplaincy trainees: in addition to the registration fee, you have a cost for chaplain specific clothing items; currently $10.

Description of training offered:

• Introduction to Disaster Relief: Overall view of Disaster Relief (This class is required every five years.)
• Mass care (feeding): Mass food preparation and distribution in disaster areas.
• Chainsaw: Clearing trees, brush, and other major obstructions following a disaster.
• Child care: Temporary care unit working with children who are victims of a disaster.
• Shower unit: Provides shower and laundry support for workers and others in the disaster area.
• Mud out: Removing mud and other debris or filth, clean up and disinfecting following a flood.
• Communication: Hands on training teaches you how to provide effective and necessary communication for leaders, organizations and personnel during a disaster.
• IMT Orientation: Coordinates all management aspects of a DR response. From volunteer deployment to administration to logistics. Prerequisites include: recovery response experience. Blue or white hat training recommended.
• Blue Hat: By recommendation only – Unit/Crew Leader: learn paperwork, operations, responsibilities and potential problems encountered during a disaster. Prerequisites include: trained in other areas of DR, have practical experience working a disaster as a yellow hat, recommendation from someone in DR leadership, and be pre-approved by the MBC DR State Specialist.
• Assessment: By recommendation only – Learn to gather, evaluate and communicate information about the extent of damaged areas ahead of responding teams. Prerequisites include: trained in other areas of DR, have practical experience working a disaster as a yellow hat, recommendation from someone in DR leadership, and be pre-approved by the MBC DR State Specialist.  You do not have to be a blue hat to take this training.
• Chaplain: Provides effective counseling sessions during a disaster; involves listening, caring, encouragement, and seeking evangelistic opportunities. Prerequisites include: trained in other areas of DR, and have practical experience working a disaster as a yellow hat.

Schedule for training events:
Training begins with registration at 4:30pm Friday, supper to follow at 6pm, and Intro to Disaster Relief begins at 7pm. Breakfast is served at 7am Saturday with training beginning at 8am. Training for Chain Saw and Communication will continue after lunch. Other areas of training are scheduled so you will be able to train in more than one area. All training will be complete by 3pm.

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