AmeriCorps Cape Cod has been a part of disaster preparedness and response in Barnstable County since 2002. The program partners with the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC), the Cape Cod Stranding Network, the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee, Town Emergency Services Departments and other agencies to prepare and educate the community on potential disasters. Members and staff also respond to local disasters when they arise. Several trainings are held at the beginning of each Corps year to teach members the skills they need to participate in disaster related services. There are also Individual Placements with a specific focus on disaster related topics.

Examples of Projects

Disaster Preparedness Projects and Responses

1. Participate in disaster simulations
2. Inventory Town emergency shelter kits
3. Respond to single home fires and assist the ARC in dealing with victims and their needs
4. Open and run ARC emergency shelters during large scale events
5. Respond to single and mass marine mammal strandings with the Cape Cod Stranding Network
6. Perform Level A data collection on stranded marine mammals
7. Responded to the Bouchard oil spill in Buzzards Bay in 2003

Individual Placements

1. Serve with the ARC educating the community about potentials disasters and how individuals can prepare themselves and their families
2. Serve with the ARC creating and implementing disaster plans to ready local officials and communitis for a disaster
3. Serve with the Cape Cod Stranding Network supporting marine mammal strandings, rescue, and care on Cape Cod