Background
As you know, the Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign is anchored in the California Office of Emergency Services. (Listos means “ready” in Spanish). For the past few months, its Social Bridging Project has conducted wellness check-ins with older adults by phone. CERT members with DOJ-level background checks have participated in this program and contributed to reaching more than 7,000 older adults with resources and referrals to cope with the pandemic. These callers, known as Bridgers, also break through social isolation endured by older Californians as they stay home to save lives. These calls are ongoing.
New Opportunity
The Social Bridging Project is now able to expand its outreach and call California adults of any age with lifesaving information on how to prepare for natural disasters. This opportunity is open to any CERT trained volunteer and does not require the volunteer to have a background check. CERT Bridgers will receive Disaster Directories for each county they call, with state and county resources on emergency alerts, wildfire and earthquake resources and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The directory also offers resources on COVID-19.
Details
· All training and calling are done remotely.
· Volunteers are trained to use phone banking technology and tools.
· Training is conducted through both video and live Zoom sessions.
· Once trained, Bridgers have access to a professional support team.
· Bridgers will be using their own phone, computer/laptop and internet connection.
· Disaster readiness shifts are offered Wednesdays through Sundays.
· Bridgers serve in two-hour shifts between 10 am and 8 pm.
· Bridgers call counties all across the state, not just their own.
· This opportunity is available through the end of November.
