The last group of evacuees from Hurricane Gustav had a few Deaf folks and one Deaf-Blind individual. We need to make sure we are prepared to assist them with the hectic evacuation and returning home processes. SLRS is collecting the names and contact information of interested individuals willing to volunteer their time and talents. We are the point of contact for the Oklahoma City Police Department as they assist the American Red Cross in these efforts. We need Deaf and Hearing helpers.
Here's what you may be doing (provided from the OKC Police Dept):
1. Evacuees arrive via bus.
2. Once people start arriving, they get screened, and we take all their information. After that, they're sent out into the shelter.
3. From then on, they get information about how the feeding schedule works, how the shower schedule works, information about medical and social needs, etc.
4. And then when people start going home, there's a lot of bus schedule information, etc., to be given out.
And throughout this, there's some complicated situations; medical appointments, counseling, etc., and also a lot of easier situations going on; getting people more blankets, checking on the elderly, etc. Throughout all of this, Interpreters/Deaf individuals are needed... either highly-skilled ones for the medical appointments, or lower-skilled folks that can explain bus schedules, etc. Some of our interpreters are already volunteering for a particular job for a particular agency---a Spanish-speaking doctor for the Red Cross, or a Spanish-speaking Social Worker for County Mental Health. Others are donating their time to whoever needs them... you might interpret/assist for the Red Cross one minute, then help Catholic Charities the next.
Here's what we need from you:
- Your full name
2. If you're associated with any particular agency, i.e.., Red Cross volunteer, LCDA employee, etc.
3. The best phone number to call you at, if we need to call you... and an alternate phone number, if you wish. It's wonderful to have folks' text messaging number; that system works great.
4. If you already have current plans to be at the Evacuee Center, i.e.., "I'll be there with County Mental Health," or, "I'm a nurse that will be helping the Red Cross," or, "I have no plans yet; where do you need me?"
- Your level of language proficiency (pick a level from the list below), -any- Sign Language skill can be helpful
Level 4. Superior: Can easily, quickly and comfortably discuss
complicated physical, emotional or stressful conversations, medical
terms, etc..
Level 3. Advanced: Can speak well and easily, but might start
hesitating in a complicated conversation, or with medical terms; trying
to use easier words, re-phrase complicated answers, etc.
Level 2. Intermediate: Can handle routine conversations, but not
anything too complicated, personal, or stressful.
Level 1. Novice: Can ask simple questions, as long as the answers are also simple and easy to understand.
Level 0. Beginner: I just learned how to order lunch, but that's about it :-)
Stephanie Nichols - snichols@slrsinc.com