Not so much a workamping question as a work question but does anyone here have experience working temporary work with FEMA; Ex: following the natural disasters ?
If so, good experience ? Bad ?
I'm not into chasing disasters but worked in area of Katrina disaster as a contractor and it felt good to help.
Shortcuts to apply ?
Thanks.
Jim
Jim & Carmel
2004 Dutch Star 41'
2006 Jeep Liberty
Blue Ox Aventa Tow Bar
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I would contact FEMA direct. My son is on a FEMA National Disaster Response Team. He was chosen by his employer at the request of FEMA due to his qualifications. If his team is activated his employer MUST let him go and of course FEMA pays all costs including his salary and overtime for that time frame. He spent 3 months in New 0rleans during Katrina. He met several people toward the end who were hired directly by FEMA or via local agancy contact to become team members based on their expertise ect. I'd contact FEMA and ask about such. Those you have to pay to train you and find you a position seems odd to me and I wouldn't pay anyone a red cent.
When I helped run the Southern Area Coordination Center with Cal fire I dealt a lot with FEMA and they operated a lot like we did. We maintained an ERD (Emegergency Response directory)of civilians with specific talents we used and called when needed (CWN). FEMA is NOT big enough as they found out and must rely on the private sector for help. Many times people get hired as "runners" or "Messengers", and even their trucks are hired and owners are paid as the driver. Lots of avenues. I'd call FEMA direct somehow and get info before I'd pay someone for training me for something I'd most likely not get called for.
Just food for thought. Below are a couple links of interest. Remember those who are mobile (with RV's) and can go on a moments notice are valuable.
Parr is one of 2 companies that Fema uses for contract help in a disaster,
Parr is the company that I trained with for free a one day class, and I found later on the internet the same man that was instucting me for free with Parr was charging people $100.00 for the same one day class, on his own for Parr.
He had a little scam on the side.
But as I said, before Katrina and durng Katrina they needed anyone that was breathing,
Now they (both companies) are over training so much no one starting now or even two year ago has a chance of being called.
PB Disaster Services is the other company that is still doing the one day class thing.
unless 10 Katrinas happen at the same time, no one new has a chance.
I worked for Beck Disaster Recovery. It was a temp job and I made good money. If you want to do this for a living I would suggest getting on with a contractor that either Par or Beck uses. This is long hard work. But you are helping people making friends and seeing how lucky you are to have what you have. I did clean up from The Groundhog Day Tornado we had in 06. I saw devastation I did not think possible. I also saw camaraderie amongst people I did not think possible. I had a lot of fun and learned alot. Other than chasing these storms it is the only way I know how.
Nowhere is a wonderful place, but Everywhere, Somewhere, and wherever isn't too bad either.
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