Patriots Taking Shelter

Submitted by PVHS Extra Mile on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 16:51

the problem:

We want to help Sterling Park become better prepared in the event of a disaster. Sterling Park is a diverse community, with more than 43 different languages spoken in the homes. Many of the families are new to the United States, and do not have support networks in place in the event of a disaster.
It is expensive to live in this area, and so many of the families are surviving paycheck to paycheck, with as many family members as possible working. Many families work in the service or tourism industry, both of which would be hard hit if a disaster were to strike.

vital stats:

people impacted:

500

people involved:

140

why it's important:

This is our community, and our families and friends. We want to make sure that everybody knows what to do during a disaster, and understands what resources are available to help.
The Extra Mile exists to provide opportunities for teens attending Park View High School in Sterling, Virginia to improve their world through community service. Since we live in this area, we know what needs should be met.

the plan of action:

We plan to organize the event in stations, with students rotating through different activities before ending with students setting up a mass care shelter where they will sleep for the evening.
• Leadership Training
o We plan to work with the volunteer group “Spark the Wave” to provide leadership training through hands-on activities. Spark the Wave provides leadership training to teens, and customizes their activities to meet the needs of the students.
• Mass Care & Shelter Operations Training
o The Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross will provide an instructor for the Shelter Operations & Mass Care classes free of charge. Students that attend the entire training class will receive a card certifying them as shelter workers in the event of a disaster in our region.
• Shelter Simulation
o The Loudoun County Chapter will provide cots, blankets, and other necessary materials in order for us to set-up a mock shelter in the school gym where the students will sleep.

how you can get involved:

We would like to expand the lock-in project, and offer it to more students in the region through our local Red Cross chapters. Adults can also contact their Red Cross chapter to be trained.

project updates:

03/15/2010

Update:

we are begining to recive applications! we have signed up Spark the Wave and developed a schedule

friday night:
4:00 pm: loudoun red cross drops off shelter trailer, club officers& adult chaperones perform initial shelter walk through

5:30 to 6:00pm - "orientation" arrive at Park View, meet in libary. Brief orientation, with rules and expections

6:30 to 7:15pm- register as "relief clients" as well as serve dinner and heater meal training

8:00 to 10:00 pm- spark the wave!

saturday:
8:00 am- wake up
7:00 am- cook breakfast
8:00-9:00 am- breakfast
9:15-11:30 am- red cross training in mass care
11:30 to 12:30- lunch/rest (heatermeals/ sandwiches)
12:30 to 3:30 pm- shelter operations
3:30 to 5:00 pm- shelter clean up
5:00 pm- leave :(

Photos:

Comments

bhalbreich1 says:

This sounds like a really cool project! Have you applied for a Do Something Grant yet? If not, you totally should! Here's the link: http://www.dosomething.org/grants. Best of luck with your project!! It sounds like you'll make a huge impact :)

Patriots Taking Shelter

the problem:

vital stats:

why it's important:

the plan of action:

how you can get involved:

project updates:

Comments

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