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Washington D.C. – As Hurricane Sandy continues moving toward the Atlantic Coast, the Corporation for National and Community Service announced that more than 250 national service members are on standby to deploy as part of the federal response effort.
CNCS is coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, the American Red Cross, and state and local authorities. CNCS is part of a local, state and national effort. Once deployed, these members would do volunteer management, shelter operations, case management and warehouse management.
“Hurricane Sandy is a powerful storm and anyone living in the projected impact zone should take precautions now,” said Kelly DeGraff, Director of Disaster Services for CNCS. “If you aren't sure what to do, visit Ready.gov or download the American Red Cross mobile application for steps you can take to better protect yourself and your family.”
DeGraff said the national service response includes AmeriCorps grantees, AmeriCorps NCCC teams, and Senior Corps volunteers. State service commissions are also encouraging residents to pre-register to volunteer as part of response and recovery efforts.
The agency is also working with FEMA to determine deployment options for FEMA Corps. FEMA Corps is a new unit of service corps members within AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps members launched this year that is solely devoted to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
DeGraff said the agency is assessing needs and deployment possibilities through CNCS state offices and State Service Commission along the Atlantic Coast. It is also participating in FEMA daily briefings, calls with National VOAD and the American Red Cross.
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CNCS, a federal agency, provides strong support, expertise, and trained and dedicated volunteers to help communities to prepare for, mitigate, respond, and recover from natural and man-made disasters. From forest fires and floods, to hurricanes and tornadoes, to terror attacks and oil spills, participants in CNCS programs have provided critical support to millions of Americans affected by disasters since 1994. Reflecting the agency's growing expertise and commitment in disaster services, CNCS has made disaster services a priority in the agency's 2011-2015 strategic plan. For more information on disaster response and recovery by national service, visit the Disaster Services Unit.
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