Those interested in working in the disaster area through Southern Baptist Disaster Relief must complete a Disaster Relief training course.  Those completing the course will receive Disaster Relief identification which is required to enter a disaster area and a “yellow Disaster Relief hat” a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief distinctive.  These training events are for new volunteers and for those who need to be retrained.

Certification Classes (not all classes are available at all training events)

Chainsaw Training - This training covers the use and safety requirements for using a chainsaw during a disaster operation, maintenance of the saw and brush/limb pulling and cutting techniques.

Chaplaincy (Crisis Counseling & Evangelism) - Crisis counseling offers trauma victims non-threatening opportunities to share their experiences, emotions and struggles.  The crisis counselor aims to assist the victims of trauma by helping them to learn effective coping methods.  Crisis counseling training will equip volunteers to serve as members of the crisis counseling team.

Clean Up & Recovery - The objective of a clean up and recovery team is to assist in the initial clean up after a disaster.  The further objective is to assist individuals and churches in the recovery from the effects of a disaster.  This may include debris removal, temporary repairs, cleaning and ultimate repairs to restore individuals and churches to normal life.

Communication - The communications volunteers will be a team trained and equipped to provide the long distance and local communications.  Volunteers do not have to be licensed to take this course.  This course will equip volunteers to have skills to operate emergency radio equipment and other communications equipment, such as handhelds, satellite phones and fax machines during disasters.

Damage Assessment - This training covers the assessment of damaged homes/homesites and the completion of assessment forms for our Clean-up and Recovery teams.

Mass Feeding - The primary mission of a mass feeding team is to feed and serve victims and relief workers during a disaster.  A warm meal and cup of water in Jesus' name may be the seed to the salvation of a soul.

Skid-Steer Loader Operator - The purpose of this course is to impart rules and practices for the safe operation of a skid-steer loader.

Water/Purification System - This course will teach about building a water purification system and taking care of the water systems associated with our various Disaster Relief Units.

Disaster Relief Training Event
Dates, Locations & Cost:
September 10-12, 2010
Napa Valley Baptist Church (Friday & Saturday)
2303 Trower Ave.
Napa, CA 94558

Redwood Community Church (Sunday)
2055 Redwood Road
Napa, CA 94558

New volunteer certification: $50
Currently certified, taking additional certification classes: $25
Re-certification (three year update): $50
A $20 late fee will be added to all registrations after August 31.

Click here for training information.
Click here for online registration.

October 21-23, 2010
Sequoia Heights Baptist Church
1050 S. Union Road
Manteca, CA 95337

New volunteer certification: $50
Currently certified, taking additional certification classes: $25
Re-certification (three year update): $50
A $20 late fee will be added to all registrations after October 7.

Click here for training information.
Click here for online registration.

November 11-13, 2010
Ventura Baptist Church
5415 Ralston St.
Ventura, CA 93003

New volunteer certification: $50
Currently certified, taking additional certification classes: $25
Re-certification (three year update): $50
A $20 late fee will be added to all registrations after October 29.

Click here for training information.
Click here for online registration.

For more information contact:

Cathy Glover
Ministry Assistant
559.229.9533 x. 255
E-mail Cathy Glover