EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT association OF TEXAS

Software provider launches five video-based courses that aim to aid continuity during disaster

First responders can only do so much during a disaster. Volunteers are increasingly a huge part of the equation, and that includes spontaneous volunteers.

There has been little or no training for these responders, but that just changed with the launch of VolunteerReady.org, an online portal that provides free courses for volunteers or potential volunteers. The video-based courses run from 10 to 15 minutes and are accessible by smartphone, PC or tablet.

The initial phase or pilot consists of five graphically driven videos, each with downloadable infographics that outline the key points of the topics. At the end of each video is a knowledge assessment to drive home the key ideas of the subject matter.

The videos were developed by software provider Cornerstone OnDemand in collaboration with FEMA, Catholic Charities USA; Emergency Management Institute; Mennonite Disaster Service; Points of Light; Southern Baptist Disaster Relief; Team Rubicon; and The Salvation Army.

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