**DISASTER RESPONSE**

DNR AmeriCorps programs are members of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) *Disaster Cadre*.  We, along with IVCS and other programs, and their members, have pledged to assist with statewide preparedness for, response to and recovery from disaster.  Along with this, ICVS is part of a network of national service organizations that, as needed by local, state and federal emergency management officials, can deploy members nationally.  

Disaster response is a **core** function of the DNR AmeriCorps program design, particularly as it relates to natural resources.  Work related to flooding, chain sawing, debris removal, sand bagging, and similar physical activities and their associated volunteer management actions, are the activities members are most likely to be called to do; however, that doesn’t mean that we won’t be asked to assist in the set up and ongoing management of volunteer centers, distribution of supplies and food, or other need – depending upon the disaster.  Disaster training will be provided as part of AmeriCamp(s) to all DNR AmeriCorps members.

The DNR program members are considered “on call” at all times. National deployments are typically 2 weeks in length with a 48 hour notice.  If we’re deployed in Iowa, the term of deployment will likely be less, as would be the notice to report. Members that respond to a disaster will continue to receive their living allowance payments and can count time spent on disaster response towards their contract hours, including travel to and from the disaster site.  Lodging and meals will typically be provided. Emergency deployment takes precedence over almost all other commitments, including but not limited to work site activities, family gatherings, community events, and vacations.  

AmeriCorps program staff also ask that you start your term by making an emergency plan for your **family members** (if you have responsibility for others), **your job** (if you have other job responsibilities that are unassociated with your AmeriCorps term), **and/or a pet** (if you have any pets and have no one else locally that is easily available to care for them).  *It is likely that you will be activated for emergency response at some point during your term* (especially during summer weather and flooding).

Members usually need to bring: clothing, toiletries, towel/washcloth, pillow, sleeping bag and/or bed linens, 2 DNR-issued *disaster t-shirts*, plus cash for snacks and to do laundry.  Program staff will try to provide ample snack food, drinks and laundry detergent; however, depending upon the disaster, this may not always be possible.  Meals should be provided by the location we are serving.  Save receipts for ANY MEALS you purchase (e.g. during travel) in case we are able to seek reimbursement for you after the fact.

Members will be deployed as deemed necessary through ICVS, via the Program Director. Members and site supervisors will receive notification via email and phone from the office of the Program Director if an emergency occurs. We typically get 24 (Iowa disaster) to 48 (national disaster) hours advance notice of the location and number of members needed, and ask for members with the skills requested to deploy to the site first.  

DNR AmeriCorps members should remember that during deployments you are representing not only the DNR, but AmeriCorps, and the state of Iowa, and as such it is expected that you should be on your best behavior AT ALL TIMES.  Disaster response exceptions will be made for military service or medical/family emergencies. Failure to deploy may result in disciplinary procedures, up to and including loss of the Eli Segal Education Award.

MEMBER SERVICE AGREEMENT

Position Description Section

The Position Description shall include the obligation of the Member to respond to emergency preparedness and disaster response duties, as may be assigned by the DNR, the Commission or the Corporation, during the term of this agreement.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the Member shall be required to provide services in such cases, which may require travel and overnight stays throughout the state of Iowa and outside the state of Iowa.  In the event the DNR assigns the Member to perform such service, every attempt will be made by the DNR to work with the schedules and personal obligations of the Member; however, the Member shall be, nonetheless, obligated to perform such services to be in compliance with this agreement.  The Member shall comply with all DNR, Commission and Corporation directives related to such emergency preparedness and disaster response, provided such directives are consistent with the requirements of National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended, codified as 42 U.S.C. 12501 *et seq*., and 45 C.F.R. 2510 *et seq*., or other relevant state or federal law or legislation governing the Program.  

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

**Be prepared** to be deployed for disaster relief efforts for up to 2 weeks (nationally) with a 48 hour notice.  If we’re deployed in Iowa, the term of deployment will likely be less.  If you have a family, another job or a pet please make emergency plans in advance on the chance that this will happen (we haven’t gone without being deployed someplace in seven years).  We will do our best to work with you.