Disaster Response (DR) is an important part of SDIA’s mission and remains our primary service opportunity. As the volunteerism component of our Get Off The Couch® programming, these missions EMPOWER our Sheep Dogs to continue serving their communities and country in times of need.
While larger, national disasters make up most of these missions, SDIA encourages our members to help with local community “disasters”, such as conducting minor home repairs for disabled veterans, making a park safe for children, cleaning national cemetery headstones & grounds, working in a soup kitchen, or coaching a youth sports team. All are disasters to those who are affected and are opportunities to serve and give back.
What is a Disaster Response Mission?
A Disaster Response Mission (DRM) is any natural or human-caused devastation that results in a community or communities need for evacuation, assistance in clean up, tree & debris removal, muck out operations, covering roofs and windows, distributing food and water, filling/placing sandbags, and other meaningful tasks.
When does SDIA respond?
Whenever a natural or human-caused disaster strikes a community or communities, the National Office will evaluate it to see if the disaster meets established criteria levels and will determine if/when Disaster Response Teams (DRTs) are deployed. After the decision to deploy is made, the National Office will post to social media and send a “Disaster Response Deployment Alert” email to our Members and Volunteers asking for DRM volunteers. The Disaster Response Team (DRT) will be organized and operate according to the SDIA Disaster Response SOP and Checklists.
When does SDIA NOT respond?
-To suppress large fires
-When asked to enter structures that are considered heavily damaged, unstable and/or dangerous
-To perform hazardous materials cleanup or respond to incidents involving radiological, chemical, or biological agents
-To perform medical, fire or search & rescue operations beyond our level of training
-Anything that will put our members and volunteers in harm’s way
Why are DRMs Important?
“You hurt for all the people affected, but you leave knowing you made a huge impact in their lives. What we do to help physically, also helps them mentally and emotionally, and that is the true reward of going on a DRM. And by helping them recover and heal, we are also helping ourselves in ways we might never have known.”
Who Can deploy on a drm?
-Anyone that is an SDIA Member/Volunteer
– You must register for the DRM via the online form which includes reviewing, signing, and submitting the SDIA Release and Waiver of Liability Form
-Have the required gear (Gear List)
-Be able to pay for their travel, food, lodging, and other expenses
-Have medical/health insurance card
What are our priorities?
-The safety of our Members, Volunteers, plus the individuals and organizations we work alongside, as well as those we are assisting.
-We must ensure that we are part of the solution, not the problem.
What Policies are in effect during a drm?
-You cannot deploy independently and represent SDIA without written permission from the CEO or the Disaster Response Director.
-Discrimination & Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
-There is no alcohol and non-prescribed drug use during the DRM.
-Unless otherwise directed, all weapons must be concealed during the DRM.
-If you are required to leave due to violating any of these policies, you will not be able to deploy with SDIA for a minimum of one full calendar year.
Helping is healing
“You hurt for all the people affected, but you leave knowing you made a huge impact in their lives. What we do to help physically, also helps them mentally and emotionally, and that is the true reward of going on a DRM. And by helping them recover and heal, we are also helping ourselves in ways we might never have known.” ~DRM Participant
