VOAD Drafting Incident Action Plan

Wayne Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is in the process of drafting an incident action plan, which is a formal framework for how the group will act in the event of a disaster.

The plan has four main sections: planning, sheltering, food preparation/delivery and facilities/supplies that detail what members can do in hypothetical situations, and who the key players of each aspect are. On Thursday night, the group held a meeting to go over a second draft of the plan.

“Since VOAD was formed, there has been this reaction, ‘how can VOAD help?’,” said Rev. Karyn Ratcliffe, VOAD's founder. “If we’re constantly trying to figure out how to help every time a situation arises, we end up spinning our wheels. Moving forward, we need to focus on remaining cohesive and sticking to a plan.”

VOAD was after Hurricane Irene hit North Jersey and . The group provided flood victims with dinner for several days, even delivering it to flooded areas, and assisted in clean up efforts.

Board members like Vice Chairman Mike Gottesman made it clear that VOAD needs to remain transparent with the township and other organizations about its actions, so as to avoid duplicating services and wasting resources during an emergency situation.

Gottesman said the various groups of people within the organization should work on communicating with each other so that if a crisis were to occur, everyone is on the same page and knows how to get in touch with each other.

“We don’t want to cross paths that would affect efficiency at the time of a disaster,” Gottesman said.

The group has met on a few occasions since the beginning of the year and will continue to meet in February to discuss by-laws and the structure of the organization.

The draft will be finalized in the near future and distributed to all members. Changes can be made to it after it is approved.

The ultimate goal is to stay on task and organized, to be as effective and helpful as possible, said Ratcliffe, who is pastor of .

Highlights of the Action Plan

Planning

• When a disaster occurs, a representative of VOAD is invited to attend the township’s event planning meeting.
• In the event of a power outage, residents and members can go to a central location like the to obtain information.
• Any actions VOAD takes will be relayed to MaryAnn Orapello, township health officer.

Shelter

• If fewer than five individuals request shelter, arrangements will be made by the town. When five or more individuals request shelter, Captain Kilroy Park and will serve as shelter locations.

Meals

• Meals will be coordinated with the Salvation Army and/or the American Red Cross, and meals provided by VOAD will take into account dietary restrictions and food allergies.
• One hot meal a day is the customary level of assistance VOAD will provide, but others may be provided if necessary. VOAD may also choose to make meal vouchers available or provide funds for some meals.

Distribution: food and supplies

• In each of the affected neighborhoods, there will be neighborhood distribution centers where residents can get hot meals, cleaning supplies, and other necessary items. The group hopes to assign a liaison to each neighborhood. The individual will ommunicate with residents and an ambassador. The ambassador will relay the status of the neighborhood and their needs to the liaison, who will coordinate relief efforts.

“Any plan of action is tentative until we find out what the circumstances are, but if we have a framework like this, we can be prepared,” Ratcliffe said.

For more information or to find out how to help VOAD, e-mail the group at: WayneVOAD@gmail.com.