Purpose

 

 


The mission of Southeastern Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SEPA VOAD) is to prepare the region for disaster and to coordinate recovery and response.


SEPA VOAD is a part of a national collaboration of diverse organizations and citizens trained to meet community needs in the wake of a large-scale disaster and is coordinated by the local chapter of the American Red Cross.


SEPA VOAD coordinates planning efforts and, during a disaster, matches community needs with services provided by member SEPA VOAD agencies. This cooperative effort is an effective way for a wide variety of volunteers and organizations to work together in a crisis. Volunteers are trained to work before, during and after a large-scale disaster. This allows SEPA VOAD to ensure uniform training, credentialing and notification of volunteer corps that stands ready to serve in response and recovery.


SEPA VOAD offers members of your organization free disaster trainings. Get peace of mind knowing your members are prepared before a disaster strikes and can look after themselves and their families post-disaster.

Our trainers can do on-site training for groups of 15+ (or 30+ on weekends) at your location of choice. Or if you prefer, we can train several of your members as SEPA VOAD trainers so you can train new members as they come aboard.

The first step is for members to take the three-hour SEPA VOAD basic training: Preparing for and Responding to Disasters.

After completing this course, members are then able to take further free trainings such as: CPR certification by the American Red Cross, First Aid certification by the American Red Cross, Sheltering in Your Community, Psychological First Aid, Animals in Disaster and more.

During a local large-scale disaster, SEPA VOAD members can work at a variety of jobs.  To learn more about these volunteer roles click here.