From the AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team in Duplin, Bladen and Pender Counties

There is still a large volume of work that needs to be done in response to Hurricane Florence. To our knowledge, AmeriCorps is the last group working doing tarping, muck outs, and mold suppression spraying. We will be leaving January 30, and will not be able to complete all the homes that still need these services. Because of this, we are hoping to train in volunteers in the community on how to do these tasks so that y'all will be able to continue to work after we are gone, and also have the skills necessary to respond to any future disasters. As they say, disaster starts and ends local, and we believe it is extremely important to get as many local people involved in the recovery process as possible. We will be holding several training events over the next couple weeks in Duplin, Pender, and Bladen Counties. Anyone is welcome to attend any event, regardless of where they live.

We would like the training to cover two days. The first day will be a half day of classroom training, with the remainder of the day spent in the field. The second day will be spent entirely in the field. If you are only able to attend one day, that is perfectly fine. We have personal protective equipment and tools available for use, but if you are able to bring anything that is always helpful. Please bring a lunch.

Volunteers must be 18 and sign a release waiver to participate. If under 18, they can still participate if a parent/guardian signs the release and remains present on site.

Volunteers do not have to be affiliated with any organization to participate. We just ask that volunteers let us know if they plan to attend so that we can be properly prepared. Please email: adrthurricaneflorencenc@gmail.com

Below are the current training events that we have scheduled. We would be happy to add additional trainings if there is an interest, especially during week days.

Duplin County: Friday 1/11 8:30 am- 4:30 pm ; Saturday 1/12 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Classroom: Wallace Presbyterian Church 205 W Main St, Wallace, NC 28466.
Location of Worksite: TBD

Bladen County: Friday 1/18 8:30 am- 4:30 pm; Saturday 1/19 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Classroom: Bladen EOC 5853 US 701 Highway N, Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Location of Worksite: TBD

Pender County: Friday 1/25 8:30 am- 4:30 pm; Saturday 1/26 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
Classroom: Pender Co Library 103 S Cowan St, Burgaw, NC 28425
Location of Worksite: TBD