LTRG Volunteer FAQ

Blue Mountain Region Long-Term Recovery Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information:

Louise Kienzle | Oregon sites | umvim@umoi.org
David Lopez | Washington sites | David.Lopez@wallawalla.edu
Phone | 509-529-1183

1. What is the COVID protocol that needs to be followed?

Please check back often as this will change.

    • Wear a mask
    • Frequent hand washing
    • Physical distancing
    • Refer to state protocols and BMRLTRG COVID Guidelines

2. Does everyone need a background check?

Yes! Background Checks (current within the last two years) are required for all volunteers 18 years of age and older.

3. Is there paperwork required?

Yes! These are the forms required:

    • Team Registration and Background Check. This form is the very first step to register with the Long-Term Recovery and to get scheduled for a project(s).
    • All team members will complete the ‘Volunteer Registration Form’ on-line or on paper.
    • This on-line form includes:
      • Volunteer Contact Information
      • Volunteer Medical and Emergency Information
      • Volunteer Skill Assessment
      • Volunteer Release of Liability
    • ‘Medical and Emergency Information’ will include a copy of the member’s health insurance card.

 

4. Does the Team Leader need training?

Yes! Team leader training will be on-line via ZOOM.

5. Do we need to fundraise?

Maybe.

    • There is not a project fee at this time, but any donations for supplies are welcome.
    • Teams will need to cover costs for insurance, background checks, travel, plus food and lodging if needed.

6. What will we be doing?

The needs are still being assessed. But possible work might include:

    • Fence building, debris removal and building repair.
    • Please be flexible. You may not be asked to do what you think you’re best qualified to do but be assured your contribution is valuable.

7. What skills do I need?

Skills are specific to site and project.

    • Training in Early Response is helpful, especially mold inspection and mitigation.
    • Fence building.
    • General construction experience.
    • Helpers with minimal skills are also welcome.
    • Fill out the skill assessment form to help us give you the best volunteer opportunity for you.

8. Where are the work sites located?

Work sites will be in Walla Walla and Columbia Counties in Washington and Umatilla County in Oregon, including the following:

9. Will we always work as a team?

Yes, as much as possible. Since you may be supplementing other volunteer teams, your team may be divided to best meet labor and skill needs.

10. Can youth participate in the work?

Yes!

    • The minimum age is 14. 14 and 15-years of age must be accompanied by a parent and must work with the parent.
    • 16 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult with a maximum ratio of 6 youth per 1 adult.
    • All Safe Sanctuary/Safe Spaces policies will be strictly adhered to.

11. Where will we stay?

Until COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, it is recommended that these will be day trips.

12. Can I take my RV or motorhome?

        Yes. Campgrounds are listed in the BMRLTRG Volunteer Information packet.

13. How long can I stay to volunteer?

          Volunteers are welcome to serve for as long or short a visit as meets their availability but remember that until COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted,    it is recommended that these will be day trips.

14. What tools do we need to bring?

Once your team has been assigned a project, tools will be suggested. With COVID protocols in place, it is suggested that Volunteer teams bring the hand tools they will need to perform their assigned tasks.

15. Do I need to take my own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Yes! We recommend each volunteer bring the following PPE:

  • Face masks are required.
  • Safety glasses. Most normal eyewear is not impact resistant. If you wear glasses, we recommend you use safety glasses that fit over your normal glasses.
  • Leather work gloves.
  • Earmuffs or ear plugs.
  • Work boots with thick soles. Absolutely no open toed shoes.
  • A hat to shade your head and eyes.

16. Do I need to bring my own water or bring a water bottle?

    • Each team member needs to have a refillable water bottle or bottles of water available at all times.
    • Water will be available at the site to ensure all team members drink adequate water.

17. Do we need insurance?

Yes.

    • Everyone must have medical insurance and they have their insurance card on site.
    • Liability insurance. Yes!
    • Accident insurance is highly recommended.

18. Do I need a background check?

Yes! All adult team members must have a current (within the past two years) national background check.

19. Do I need a tetanus shot?

Yes, current within the last 10 years.

20. Are there any dress requirements?

You may be working with teams from faith groups who have values or principles different than yours.

    • Dress should be modest and in good taste,
    • Shirts with sleeves (both men and women), modest necklines and no sexually suggestive or vulgar images;
    • Clothing that is appropriate for the work you will be doing;
    • Men should not remove their shirts on the work site;
    • Pants that reach at least to the knees;
    • Closed toed shoes, preferably durable work boots or leather shoes, absolutely no flip-flops on the work site.

21. Who will be my point of contact?

  • Blue Mountain Long Term Recovery Volunteer Coordinators will be your contact:
  • When on-site, your immediate contact will be the Site or Construction Manager.

Find us on Facebook! www.uwbluemt.org/content/flood-recovery