Public Safety

County Commends Volunteers in a Disaster

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A team that pulls volunteer organizations together during and after disasters was honored by County supervisors Tuesday for its latest efforts to help San Diegans in a crisis.

The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) team was presented a proclamation recognizing members for their work in helping residents affected by the May Wildfires with long-term recovery.

“VOAD coordinated critical resources in response to the May 2014 San Diego County wildfires, and before that, I have to say, it was 2007, and they’re always there to help,” said Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, Board of Supervisors. “You’re always there for every disaster, and I know every citizen in the county really appreciates that.”

VOAD is an association of volunteer organizations which work together to help people affected by a disaster. VOAD helps facilitate coordination to fill needs among non-profit, faith-based and community-based organizations.

“It’s just what we do. We do it willingly,” said VOAD Chair Robin Clegg in accepting a copy of the proclamation at the meeting. “We just appreciate the recognition even though we don’t need the recognition. We do it from the heart. “

Clegg said some of their partners are the County, the County Office of Emergency Services, the San Diego Foundation, the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, and the Salvation Army. They also include the California Southern Baptists, which brought in volunteers to help following the May 2014 fires. Clegg said most of those organizations already have a disaster plan and kick into action when a disaster such as a wildfire strikes. Later, VOAD meets with partners to assess any needs. If any needs are identified, those are announced and usually an organization steps up to help.

VOAD and its partners worked the 2003 and 2007 fires and assisted hundreds of families and individuals, most who were uninsured or extremely underinsured, Clegg said. During those fires, they helped bring in the Mennonite Disaster Service which helped rebuild homes and oversaw the building process.

“We basically have it down to a science on how to help,” said Clegg of their experience in working with San Diego disasters.

While the May Wildfires had far fewer homes destroyed, there was still a high ratio of people who were uninsured or underinsured, she said.

VOAD and partner agencies continue to work to help families and individuals affected by the May fires and expect to continue doing so for at least another 18 months, she said.

Jacob commended VOAD for its outstanding dedication to assisting with disaster preparedness, response and recovery in San Diego County.

The group was honored as part of National Preparedness Month which urges residents across the nation to be disaster aware and take action to prepare.

To learn how to prepare for a disaster such as a wildfire visit ReadySanDiego.org.

 

Yvette Urrea Moe is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact