Aging Services Providers in North Carolina work with local Emergency Management as much as possible. During times of non-predicted emergency and/or disaster events, local agencies may have to make some staffing and volunteer decisions immediately. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes that liability during these times is a concern, as do state Emergency Management agencies. Efforts have been underway to give guidance to local agencies and state governments to help guide their planning decisions and to help them make informed decisions during and immediately after a disaster event.
One such effort is the development of Citizen Corps. Citizen Corps was begun by Presidential directive after the September 11, 2002 attacks. It became evident that citizens wanted to help – they wanted to volunteer. However, there was no organized umbrella structure to channel their energies and talents as appropriate and needed. There was also no organized and structured liability relief for citizen volunteers (including service agency staff). Citizen Corps was organized as a part of FEMA to address those concerns.
Citizen Corps operates national networks of state, local, and tribal Citizen Corps Councils. These Councils, understanding local strengths and needs, build strategies and coalitions to foster a unified response to emergencies and disasters. Coalitions include state and local governments, community leaders, and citizen volunteers. Detailed and specific training and guidance is provided at all levels.
One of their efforts is the development of the Citizen Corps Volunteer Liability Guide. FEMA has learned, over time, that liability concerns are a potential barrier to volunteer involvement during times of disaster. Individuals, agency staff, agencies, long-term care facilities, and others are all affected by the potential legal consequences of their genuine desire to assist during these times. FEMA says, “Liability—legal responsibility for one’s acts or omissions—includes diverse concerns: legally imposed payment of damages for personal injury or property damage; penalties for practicing a profession or trade without the required license or permit; compensation for lost income and medical expenses of an injured volunteer; and damages for breach of contract.” To address these concerns, FEMA funded the non-profit Public Entity Risk Institute to develop the Citizen Corps Volunteer Liability Guide to provide an overview of liability and to suggest some approaches to addressing these concerns.
Citizen Corps Volunteer Liability Guide
Citizen Corps
Partner and Affiliate Programs and Volunteer Opportunities
Citizen Corps Councils Nationwide
State Contacts
More Information on Volunteer Liability Legislation
Standard of Care, Torts, and Immunity
Disaster Planning for Seniors
Disaster Planning for Aging Services Providers
Get Prepared. Get Trained. Get Involved.
Learn how to protect your agency, your staff, your family, your neighbors by becoming informed, trained, and connected to your local emergency response network. It’s the best way to stay safe.
Triangle J Area Agency on Aging
Your governmental non-profit source of information for older adults and family caregivers.
www.tjaaa.org
www.fullcirclecare.org
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