Disaster Relief Orientation & Specialty Training Weekend: Dallas / Mesquite

Target audience: Texans on Mission DR volunteers who have been on deployment in one of the work order request disciplines.

Class room training for those who have been through DR Orientation training AND served on deployment for Chainsaw, Flood and Fire Recovery, or Temporary Roof. This course provides instruction for surveying, recording and passing along information needed by one of the crews before they go to the work site. This training is free. Pre-registration online is required.

Target audience: Texans on Mission DR volunteers interested in providing asset protection during TBM deployments.

Instruction in the safeguarding and prevention of the loss of Texans on Mission property during response operations, to prevent the tampering or contamination of all food and equipment, and to provide safety for active volunteers. There is no cost to the volunteer for this training. Pre-registration online is required.

Target audience: Texans on Mission DR volunteers wanting chainsaw training to work with the DR Chainsaw ministry.

Basic skills on how to safely operate chainsaws while helping survivors after a disaster. Basic tree felling and bucking techniques will also be reviewed/introduced. This is a full-day course with classroom training followed by hands-on training with a chainsaw.

Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.

Chainsaws and safety equipment will be provided. All attendees will receive a manual. Pre-registration online is required.

This is the Basic Man Lift class with the Rescue module added. Participants must have current Texans on Mission DR credentials and have completed the Basic Chainsaw Training class. Students must have demonstrated their ability to use a chainsaw, (i.e. can buck, limb, and drop a tree with minimal or no Blue Cap intervention). 

Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.

Approximately one week before the class starts, students registered for the Man Lift class will be sent a link by Bill Sims what will contain training for the knots you must know before you get to class.

This class discusses and practices safety techniques which must be considered when working off the ground, both on ladders or on rooftops. It is particularly helpful for volunteers on chainsaw teams.

Students should come dressed for field operations — long pants, preferably long-sleeve work shirt, work shoes or boots (sandals, tennis shoes, canvas type shoes and sneakers are not permitted); no shorts.

Introduction and overview of the Texans on Mission Disaster Relief Ministries, including the mission statement, history and brief overview of additional ministry opportunities within Texans on Mission.

This is a required orientation for all Disaster Relief Volunteers and is required for renewal of credentials. This course is a pre-requisite for all other specialty training. Credentials received through this training are necessary for entry into disaster areas and are good for five years. There is a $30.00 fee for the required background check that is collected as part of the registration process. Training is also open to youth 16 and 17 years old and are not subject to a background check and are not issued credentials. Pre-registration online is required. When you register there is a two-step process, first the background check, then for class registration.

Target audience: Texans on Mission DR volunteers interested in participating in the DR Flood & Fire Recovery ministry. 

This class equips credentialed volunteers how to respond to survivors of floods and wildfires by using appropriate equipment and procedures to clean homes and/or remove debris. It covers work procedures, equipment operation, and personal safety issues volunteers may encounter on deployments. There is no cost for this training. Pre-registration online is required.

Target audience: Yellow Cap volunteers who want to work with a Texans on Mission DR Feeding Unit.

Basic Food Handler Class provides instruction on safely handling, preparing and serving food per the national food code as well as the Texans on Mission methods.  The class also gives an insight on what to expect on deployment from a feeding unit perspective. There is no cost to the volunteer for this training. Registration online is required.

Target audience: Texans on Mission DR Volunteers interested in the shower/laundry ministry.

This course provides a general overview of the purpose and function of the Shower/Laundry Ministry. It also covers the basic procedures, deployment process, and safety procedures while operating within the shower/laundry ministry including the setup and stand-down of these units. There is no fee for this training. Pre-registration online is required.

Target Audience: Texans on Mission DR volunteers interested in tarping roofs damaged by a disaster, including providing ground support.

This training provides an overview of the ministry’s mission, as well as basic techniques, procedures and safety concerns in tarping a roof after a disaster. While some volunteers need to work on the roof, there is also a need for trained volunteers to serve on the ground crew. There is no charge to the volunteer for this training. Pre-registration online is required.

Target Audience: New Unit Directors and Update Unit Directors.

For Texans on Mission DR volunteers that have been recommended to become a Unit Leader. This training is by invitation only. Interested volunteers should contact their Area Coordinator or Specialty Coordinator for a recommendation. These training events are also required for all current Unit Leaders. New and updated materials for blue caps will be covered. Pre-registration online is required.