YWAM Emergency Services

Did you know more than 86% of post-disaster rescues are made by bystander volunteers? This is why it is said that all disasters are local. By the time professionals arrive; most rescues have already taken place.

In the wake of the 1985 quake in Mexico more than 100 untrained volunteer responders were killed while rescuing 800 victims. With only some very basic training these lives would NOT have been lost.

YWAM has more than 1000 operating locations around the world in 150+ nations. As a local organization we are often there when crisis and disasters occur. It is time we focused on preparedness, protecting our staff and students, becoming self-sufficient post disaster and becoming trained to become part of a response that saves and protects lives.

YWAM Emergency Services is a new network designed to give our mission this training and to give us the recognition & credibility to operate with other Volunteer Organizations after Disaster (VOAD). With this training, and commitment to preparedness, we can serve our local communities and those around the world.

• To increase the expertise, professionalism and influence of YWAMers in the world of Emergency Services & Disaster Response.
• Preparing you to train community members to protect their lives & homes.
• Preparing you to become a global responder, saving lives at home and abroad.
• Training YWAMers around the world to be proactive in preparing for crisis situations.

A Network of YWAM Staff

YWAM Emergency Services is a network of local long-term YWAM teams who have the training to plan for and respond to the emergency hazards and needs in their communities and who have a heart to see other churches and organizations increase their disaster response capacity. These YWAMers are a contributing partner in their community's disaster response network. By day these staff may work in various YWAM ministries or departments but they all share a heart to be ready for local disasters when (not if) they come. They meet regularly to help their YWAM base and community plan for emergencies and they train to give lead to the YWAM response and interact with the Civil Government and other disaster agencies as a recognized and valued community partner:

Highlighting YWAM Emergency Services core values of:

• Protecting the preciousness of life and livelihood.
• Responding with love and competent compassion during disasters and humanitarian crises.
• Restoring hope and fruitfulness through the practical work of rebuilding homes, businesses and community gathering places.
• Focusing on serving and developing ongoing friendships with those community leaders who carry the responsibilities for the communities crisis response.

As a YWAM Emergency Services affiliated team:

• You will be committed to develop friendship and trust with local government emergency service departments and other volunteer organizations so that you are seen as a valued partner and resource.
• You will have local long-term staff with skills to lead high-value activities pre and post disaster including, CERT teams, Shelter Operations, Child Friendly Emergency Spaces, Search & Rescue, Emergency Medical Operations, etc., according to your sense of calling and capabilities as a ministry.
• You will share a heart to train churches and community groups in emergency preparedness and response both in your local community and as you work in high risk communities around the world.

CHECKLIST FOR BECOMING A Y.E.S MEMBER

Prepare now so you can be ready to respond

• Take the online class Disaster Management at www.inmed.edu $29
• Complete the free FEMA online course 100 no cost
• Complete the free FEMA online course 700 no cost
• Attend a CPR/AED/First Aid course in your community or through YWAM
• Fill out application and mail it along with a $10 application fee and copies of course completion records to:
  YWAM Emergency Services
  478 Flower Ave
  Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Other documentation that may be needed depending on deployment:

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) print out
• Live scan finger print (in order to be qualified to serve children)
• Copies of professional licenses
• Copy of Passport

To Respond As A YWAM Base or Team to a Disaster nationally or internationally:

• At least 2 per people team of 10 should have completed the YES checklist of training
• All responders who work with children will need a clear live scan fingerprint
• All drivers need a DMV report
• All responders should have the finances necessary for their own food and housing, though we may stay in churches or shelters in the region
• Complete team informational packet prior to each deployment

*Y.E.S. members are encouraged to increase their understanding of disaster preparedness, response and mitigation through ongoing training and to become involved with other Voluntary Organizations Assisting in Disaster in their local communities. A University of the Nations Certificate in Disaster Management is available and consists of a few core courses as well as ample opportunity for independent study and internships. Contact the YES office for more information.