For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Disaster can strike anytime, which is why it’s important to be prepared.  On March 13 & 14, the local Disaster Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) team had another opportunity to train and participate in an exercise that would be critical should a disaster occur.

If a disaster strikes in south Wood County, spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers will be sent to the VRC to fill out applications, get matched to a disaster volunteer opportunity, be screened, get trained, and provided directions to the disaster site.  If the process is organized, it reduces liability issues.

During training, community members learned about what a VRC does, and why it is important.  Through a hands-on exercise, they also learned what it is like to staff a VRC.

Thirty-four members participated, including seven new volunteers.