Course Descriptions

Introduction to Disaster Services

The purpose of this web-based course is to provide general information about disasters, the community response, and the role of Red Cross Disaster Services.
Introduction to Disaster Services can be completed on-line at the following link:
http://www.redcross.org/flash/course01_v01/

*Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion into Community Action
This course is intended to introduce American Red Cross response procedures to new volunteers and other agencies with whom the Red Cross collaborates during disasters. Fulfilling Our Mission focuses on the method of delivering Red Cross services through community partnerships, cooperation among Red Cross chapters and by adhering to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement. *This course is a prerequisite to all subsequent disaster training courses.

Mass Care: Overview

This course provides basic information about the activities of the Mass Care group. Participants will learn about the skills and abilities Mass Care workers must possess and how they can get involved in their local Chapter. (Also available for self-study)

Community Disaster Education (CDE) Presenter’s Workshop

This course is designed for persons interested in developing and presenting disaster preparedness and safety information to schools and community groups. Teaching experience not required but is helpful. Participants must be comfortable talking in front of groups of people.

Disaster Action Team (DAT) Orientation

This course introduces prospective Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers to the function, composition, training, and responsibilities of the DAT. Participants will learn how to provide immediate needs to people affected by single-family fires.

Logistics: Overview

This course gives an overview of the tasks associated with the Material Support Services group. Participants will learn about the procurement and distribution of disaster supplies, along with acquiring and maintaining vehicles and facilities for disaster operations.

Logistics: Simulation

Builds on the concepts learned in Logistics: Overview, gives participants a chance to practice skills. (Must bring workbook from Overview course to class)

Shelter Operations

The purpose of this course is to prepare Red Cross and other agencies’ staff to effectively and sensitively manage shelter operations as a team, to meet the needs of people displaced as a result of disaster. Mass Care: An Overview is a prerequisite.

Shelter Simulation

This course provides participants an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful shelter operation learned during Shelter Operations. (Must bring workbook from Overview to class)

Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the client casework activity. You will learn the skills and tools needed to conduct an effective client interview.

Client Assistance System Basics

This training will use a PowerPoint demonstration to introduce volunteers to the web-based Client Assistance System (CAS) used both locally and on large disaster operations to track client casework. Client Services: Providing Emergency Assistance is a prerequisite.

AFESWeb Training

This training is designed to help Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) caseworkers how to use the online case management tool, AFESWeb.

ERVs: Ready, Set, Roll Course

The purpose of this course is to prepare Red Cross paid and volunteer staff to safely and effectively use an emergency response vehicle (ERV) and its equipment to meet feeding and other service needs of the people affected by disaster. Available for self-study. Prerequisites: Mass Care Overview. Must have a clean driving record and successfully complete a certified defensive driving course. Participants must take a road test with the chapter after completing ERV course prior to receiving ERV certification.

Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command Liaison

This course prepares Red Cross volunteers and employees who will be assigned to government and emergency settings to work collaboratively with Red Cross partners, helping to ensure a coordinated response that results in effective service delivery.

Financial & Statistical Information Management

This course prepares participants to perform the tasks of a Financial & Statistical Information Management (FSI) service associate on a disaster relief operation. Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance is a prerequisite.

Psychological First Aid

The purpose of this course is to prepare all disaster workers to provide basic care, comfort and support to people who are experiencing disaster-related stress.

Client Assistance System Training

This training will introduce experienced client caseworkers how to access the Client Assistance System (CAS), and prepare them to enter data from case records into CAS, both locally and on national disaster relief operations.

Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment (Part II)

This course introduces the critical role of disaster assessment, explores related preparedness tasks, and teaches workers how to collect and communicate disaster assessment information, creating an understanding of how disaster assessment supports service delivery decisions. (This segment is instructor-led. Students must complete the first segment via LMS as a prerequisite)

Serving People with Disabilities Following a Disaster (Part II)

This course outlines Red Cross policies and practices related to providing services to people with disabilities following a disaster. (This segment is instructor-led. Students must complete the first segment via LMS as a prerequisite)

The following courses are available for self-study through the Learning Management System (LMS): https://learningctr.redcross.org/

Note: Contact the chapter for Student ID and password to LMS.

Fundamentals of Staff Services

This course provides an introduction to the Staff Services group, as well as an overview of each activity within Staff Services.

Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment (Part I)

This course introduces the critical role of disaster assessment, explores related preparedness tasks, and teaches workers how to collect and communicate disaster assessment information, creating an understanding of how disaster assessment supports service delivery decisions. (This segment is a prerequisite to the instructor-led segment of the course. Students must complete both segments to receive credit for the entire course.)

Serving People with Disabilities Following a Disaster (Part I)

This course outlines Red Cross policies and practices related to providing services to people with disabilities following a disaster. (This segment is a prerequisite to the instructor-led segment of the course. Students must complete both segments to receive credit for the entire course.)

Client Assistance Card: Caseworkers

This course prepares disaster caseworkers to properly receive and issue client assistance cards during a local disaster response as well as a larger disaster operation. (All DAT workers must take CAC training)