Draft
Note: The Safety & Security provisions outlined here will undoubtedly be modified many times between now and Spring Break. We need your thoughts and comments
on how to make Katrina Corps Spring Break ’07 as safe as possible while keeping it
as fun and enjoyable as possible.
KATRINA CORPS SAFETY & SECURITY
With thousands of students per week arriving in New Orleans for the 5 weeks of Spring Break (March 5 – April 6, 2007), the Katrina Corps will largely be in charge of its own safety and security, although the New Orleans police will be kept informed at all times.
The Katrina Corps will look out for all Katrina Corps volunteers through use of the time tested “Buddy System” with “Back-ups” as follows:
I. Upon Arrival. Each volunteer will be assigned to a team of approx. 25. We will attempt to keep all volunteers from the same school in the same team. Each team will have 2 Team Leaders with cell phones. Each Volunteer will pick a Buddy and each Buddy will be responsible for the whereabouts and safety of their Buddy for the entire week. The Team Leaders will divide the Teams into two halves of approx one dozen volunteers each, and will keep a list of the Buddy Pairs for the entire 25 person team.
A. Each Volunteer will be given the following telephone numbers:
1. Their 2 Team Leaders
2. The Katrina Corps 24 hour Security Number
3. The New Orleans Police Department
4. The Hospital Emergency Center(s)
5. The Katrina Corps Operations Director (Ray Thomas) Staff
II. Upon Going Out for the Evening. The overall idea is not to restrict anyone’s choices, but to assure everyone’s safety. If both members of a Buddy Pair are going out together, ideally they should return to base together. However, if one decides to come back to base first, he or she should make sure that his or her Buddy is paired up with another member of the team and get that other member’s name. Every volunteer should be paired up with at least one other member of their team at all times. That’s how and why the Buddy System works.
III. Team Leader Responsibilities. Team Leaders are neither cops nor nannies. They do not wait up each night to check everyone in.
A. Team Leaders:
1. A head count of each team member each morning.
2. Tries to make sure everyone is “fit for duty” and if not, informs the Katrina Corp’s Operations Director’s staff.
3. Relays “trouble” calls from any Buddy Pair to the Katrina Corps 24 hour security number as necessary.
4. Are knowledgeable of operation of Portable Eye Wash device (see below).
IV..Buddy Responsibilities. Each Buddy is responsible for his or her Buddy, even though we don’t expect you to be “joined at the hip.”
A. Buddies:
1. Make sure their Buddy doesn’t “drive drunk.”
2. Make sure their Buddy isn’t out on the town without a Buddy or alternate.
3. Make sure their Buddy has gotten medical attention if their Buddy needs it (and ignores or refuses to get it).
4. Make sure their Buddy isn’t left behind at any work site.
V. Wear Katrina Corps Tee Shirts. Volunteers will be able to recognize fellow Katrina Corps volunteers, and the people of New Orleans will be able to recognize all Katrina Corps members.
VI. Keep Contact Numbers Card On Person. At all times, volunteers should keep with them the plastic card with Katrina Corps key telephone numbers given to them at the orientation meeting.
VII. Central Administrative Office. The Katrina Corps Administrative Office located at_____________
will be staffed from 6am to 6 pm 7 days per week.
VIII. Group Insurance. Katrina Corps is attempting to line up group medical, accident and liability insurance for all volunteers while in New Orleans.
IX. French Quarter Aid Station. Katrina Corps will staff an aid station located at_______________ in the French Quarter from 9 pm to 2 am 7 days per week.
X. Allergies/Immunizations. All volunteers will be requested to have their DPT immunizations brought current. Registration forms will request allergy disclosure. Volunteers with allergies to mold and dust will be encouraged to work in other capacities, such as administration, transportation, and support.
XI. Portable Eye Wash Devices. Most Gutting injuries involve corneal abrasion from debris falling into the eyes. Katrina Corps is attempting to acquire—and have at each job site– Portable Eye Wash devices perfected by the Army in Desert Storm. All Team Leaders will be instructed in their operation.
Andy
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