Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is the forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle – preparation, response, and recovery – to help disaster survivors and their communities. VOAD members form a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond as a part of their overall mission.
The mission of the Greenville County VOAD is to bring together voluntary organizations to assist the residents of Greenville County in the event of a disaster, to coordinate service delivery planning, and reduce duplication of services to people affected by disaster.
GC VOAD supports the values of the National VOAD movement: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration.
GC VOAD will assume responsibility for convening organizations committed to working together in disaster response on a year-round basis. GC VOAD has no role in providing direct services to victims of disaster. All such services are provided by and fall under the auspices of member organizations.
Business Preparedness
Disasters can happen anywhere, often with little or no warning. How quickly could your company get back to business following a natural disaster? Business continuity planning must account for all hazards (both man-made and natural disasters). You should plan in advance to manage any emergency situation. Assess the situation and use common sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers and your business’s recovery.
Visit the following link for helpful information to guide your business through key areas of the planning process:
Community Preparedness
With over ten percent of the state’s population residing in Greenville County (that number increases each day with commuters and tourists) there is an urgent need for people to be aware and know what to do to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies.
Your first line of defense to protect you and your family is to heed all warnings and be prepared. Having a plan for you and your family before an emergency can make all the difference. Trying to deal with an emergency event after the fact is a difficult proposition.
Greenville County Emergency Management is committed to helping the community be better prepared for emergencies. Greenville County is vulnerable to many hazards, especially flooding, severe winter storms, droughts, and hazardous materials incidents.
The following link will provide helpful information regarding these and other types of emergencies
Individual & Family Preparedness
Disaster Supply Kit
Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. They can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Every family should have a disaster supply kit to help during this time. In a disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake, you might be without electricity and the water supply may be polluted. During a flood or winter storm you may not be able to leave your house for a few days and you will need to rely on yourself. Store items in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or covered trash containers. Remember, your family will probably never need to use your kit, but it’s always better to be prepared.
People with special needs are an important consideration when making plans. This includes those with health or mobility issues and those with cognizant or recognition issues. For help dealing with these situations, this link will provide helpful information.
Some important items to store in your kit include:
- Water
- Food
- First Aid
- Tools and Supplies
- Clothing and Bedding
