FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, November 24, 2003
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Washington DC Citizen Corps Council
Contact: Jerome A. DuVal phone: (202) 727-7925 email: Jerome.Duval@dc.gov |
Washington D.C.'s First Citizen-Based Disaster Drill Prepares Community |
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(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia Commission on National and
Community Service (DC-CNCS), in partnership with the DC Emergency Management
Agency, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the DC Police Department,
sponsored the area's first citizen-based disaster relief drill November 22,
2003, which gave volunteers at DC Citizen Corps an opportunity to practice
emergency response preparedness.
More than 120 Citizen Corps members participated in the event, which began at
10 am at the DC Fire Academy, 4600 Blue Plains Drive, SW. Volunteers were
trained on how to use the Incident Command System (ICS) -- a nationwide tool for
command, control and coordination of resources in an emergency situation --
including how to tailor it to Citizen Corps' needs. The group then faced
simulated crisis scenarios, including a flood emergency environment.
"Volunteers and first-responders interacted for the first time," said Jerome
DuVal, DC Citizen Corps director. "Volunteers learned each agency's
responsibility in a crisis and tested emergency plans and procedures. They will
use the information to improve neighborhood disaster plans -- creating safer,
more prepared communities."
The DC Citizen Corps creates opportunities for individuals to help their
communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. Through its comprehensive
training program and interactive learning techniques, the Corps provides
valuable emergency protection services to the District.
About DC-CNCS
The DC Commission on National and Community Service (DC-CNCS) was established
in 2000 by an Executive Order from Mayor Anthony A. Williams. Its mission is to
strengthen and promote the spirit of service in the District of Columbia through
partnerships, national service and volunteerism. DC-CNCS leads Emergency Support
Function (ESF) #15 Donations and Volunteer Management in the District's
Emergency Response Plan.
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