What is Citizen Corps? After September 11, 2001, America witnessed a wellspring of selflessness and heroism. People in every corner of the country asked, "What can I do?" and "How can I help?" Citizen Corps was created to help all Americans answer these questions through public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service. Citizen Corps Councils help drive local citizen participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats and identifying local resources. In the San Luis Valley, the Citizen Corps Council is made up of local emergency responders, public officials, and citizens concerned about making our area safer and more secure. Programs of Citizen Corps include Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), and Neighbor Helping Neighbor/Neighborhood Watch. |
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| National Citizen Corps Website |
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| Ready Colorado/ B. Ready Campaign |
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| San Luis Valley RETAC (Regional Emergency Trauma Advisory Council) |
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| San Luis Valley Training & Event Calendar |
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| Online Incident Command System (ICS) Training |
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| The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program strengthens communities by helping medical, public health and other volunteers offer their expertise throughout the year as well as during local emergencies and other times of community need. MRC volunteers work in coordination with existing local emergency response programs and also supplement existing community public health initiatives, such as outreach and prevention, immunization programs, blood drives, disaster exercises, and other efforts. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community. The Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen advocates to enhance the capacity of fire agencies. Citizen advocates can assist local fire departments in a range of activities including fire safety outreach, youth programs, fund-raising, and administrative support. USAonWatch (UOW)-Neighborhood Watch works to provide information, training and resources to citizens and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Neighborhood Watch programs have expanded beyond their traditional crime prevention role to help neighborhoods focus on disaster preparedness, emergency response and terrorism awareness. Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) works to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers. VIPS serves as a gateway to resources and information for and about law enforcement volunteer programs. |
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| San Luis Valley American Red Cross |
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| Colorado Division of Emergency Management |
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| Are You FireWise? Visit firewise.org |
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| Pandemic Flu Individual & Family Planning |
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| Center for Disease Control Avian Flu |
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| Sign up for Emergency Alerts by E-mail or Cell Phone |
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| READY.gov Website |
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| San Luis Valley Citizen Corps |

