Disaster Relief

Preparedness: Disaster assistance workers lead table-top exercises and simulations to prepare first responders and volunteers for major incidents requiring a coordinated response.

Response: The first priority of disaster assistance workers is to save lives. They help evacuate people before a hurricane hits land or a wildfire decimates a town. Shelters are quickly set up to provide food, shelter and clothing for those affected. Transportation is provided to medical facilities.

Recovery: Like social workers, disaster assistance workers play a key role in connecting people with community resources to help them get back on their feet. They assist with applications for emergency funds, repairs and housing.

Mitigation: After the crisis abates, disaster relief jobs focus more on identifying steps that the community can take to mitigate harm from future disasters, such as infrastructure improvements after an earthquake or better early alert systems.