As we await more details on yesterday’s devastating bombing attack at the Boston Marathon, we at World Cares Center want to extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.  The city of Boston has endured a horrific crisis that harkens memories of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.  There is still so much that needs to be uncovered about the specifics of the attack itself, but we should take a moment to reflect on the response to the attack.  We’d like to acknowledge the fact that many medical personnel, police and military officers, and civilians worked together yesterday to respond quickly and decisively to meet the needs of the wounded.  There were many reports, from runners at the event, from Massachusetts Governor DevalPatrick, and from investigators, that volunteers made a huge difference in the response to this attack.  Whether they were called “helpers,” “volunteers,” or “concerned civilians,” their presence was felt at the moment of greatest need to do what had to be done – to help in any way they could by demonstrating what Governor Deval Patrick called “extraordinary kindness.”  

In the years since 9/11, and in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, we have come to cherish our first responders – those men and women who officially or unofficially spring into action to help during times of crisis.  We don’t know yet what the long-term impact of these bombings will be, but we are reminded once again of the difference that an everyday citizen can make in times of crisis.  Today, we offer our thanks to all those who responded to help the victims of the Boston bombings.  We remind everyone of the value and necessity of spontaneous volunteers who do what they can, bringing their knowledge, compassion, and extraordinary talents to make a difference. 

World Cares Center continues to work with Long Term Recovery Committees throughout the boroughs of New York, including Staten Island, Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and the Rockaways.  In the last two months, we’ve partner with Catholic Charities, local faith-based groups, the Red Cross, FEMA, and community members to write bylaws, assign committee work, and discuss the long-term impact and recovery from Sandy and the preparation needed to head off future storm damage. Here’s a recap, borough by borough, of our work with LTRCs:

Brooklyn:

·         Groups in attendance include secular and faith-based groups representing Canarsie, Gerritsen Beach, and Coney Island, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, FEMA, Occupy Sandy, WCC, and representatives from the Brooklyn Borough President’s office

·         Chair: Reverend Cheryl Anthony

·         Bylaws Committee - drafting regulations for the group with assistance from attorney’s at the Lawyer’s Alliance

·         Discussion about options for incorporation and gaining 501(c) (3) status

·         Establishing effective communication and collaboration between groups working in the same neighborhoods

·         Next Meeting: Friday, February 22, 2013 at 9:30am at St. Marks United Methodist Church (2017 Beverly Rd, Brooklyn)

Lower Manhattan:

·         Groups in attendance include Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), Occupy Sandy, WCC, FEMA, and representatives of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC).

·         Working to organize outreach efforts by coordinating the efforts of groups providing Sandy relief to Lower Manhattan

·         Next Meeting TBD – please email lisaorloff@worldcares.org for more information.

Staten Island:

·         Over 80 participants and 40 organizations are in attendance.  Attendees include representatives from FEMA, State Senator Savino’s office, the Local Assemblymen’s office, the City Comptroller’s office, nonprofit organizations, WCC, grassroots organizations (Occupy Sandy and Sandy Yellow Team), faith-based organizations, and neighborhood alliances

·         Chair: Reverend Terry Troia (Staten Island Clergy Leadership and Project Hospitality)

·         Incorporation and 501 (c) (3) status pending, formally named the Staten Island Community and Interfaith Long Term Recovery Organization

·         Case Management and Coordination of data to ensure needs assessment information is organized and an efficient referral process is supported

·         Immigrant Affairs – working to inform immigrants of their qualification rights with FEMA and reduce language barriers to accurate information

·         Mold Remediation – Standardize safety and procedural practices, identify and coordinate resources, and discuss the possibility of an official mold remediation certificate for use in rebuilding safely after complete mold elimination

·         Disaster Preparedness – Long-term preparedness training and planning for future storms

·         Rebuilding – Communicating information related to safe rebuilding including information on building codes, elevation requirements, and rebuilding in areas in and around wetlands and designating wetlands boundaries

·         Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 12pm at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island (312 Fillmore Street, Staten Island) – note: meetings are held every Wednesday at alternate times- 12pm or 5pm)

Rockaway and Broad Channel:

·         Agencies and organizations in attendance include Ready Rockaway, Red Cross, FEMA, Catholic Charities, Project Hope, Occupy Sandy, Respond and Rebuild, WCC, Friends of Rockaway , the Mamas Network, New York Cares, Habitat for Humanity, Rockaway Emergency Support Team (REST) and the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC).

·         Chair: Dr. Edward Williams (Ready Rockaway)

·         Mission: to provide collaboration, resource identification, and allocation and advocacy for individuals and families who reside in the Rockaways and Broad Channel areas affected by Superstorm Sandy and all hazardous disasters.

·         Bylaws are in final draft form and have been accepted by the Steering Committee

·         Next Meeting: Thursday, February 28^th at 6:30pm at the Battalion Church (454 Beach 67^th Street, 2^nd floor, Rockaway Peninsula)

·         Community Assessment – Understanding the geographical layout of the Rockaways, creating an assessment form to gather information on community needs, strategizing communication methods for outreach

·         Construction Coordination – Discussing the impact of base flood elevation requirements on rebuilding, identifying sources for materials and services needed for rebuilding

·         Case Management – Creating a master list of resources and using data systems to catalogue them, streamlining resource management

Last night, in cooperation with Assemblyman Matthew Titone, we sponsored a World Cares Center (WCC) Muck out & Mold Remediation Training for Homeowners in Staten Island at St. Margaret Mary Church.  The training was led by our Staten Island Programs Manager, Michelle Bascome and our Leading and Managing Programs Manager, Marina Diaz.  They were joined by Michael Corbett, Compliance Assistance Specialist at the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).  We conducted this training because of our firm belief that education, preparation, and collaboration are critical components to rebuilding.  We focused on three topics during the training:

·         Facts about mold, safety, and sanitizing during a muck out

·         The importance of communication during a muck out

·         The physical and emotional strength needed to conduct an effective muck out

Since Sandy, WCC has focused on the acute need for safe muck outs of homes to reduce the spread of mold.  Muck outs are a crucial first step in the rebuilding process. Before any rebuilding or refurbishing can take place, the home needs to be structurally stable, free of mold, and completely dry.  Given recent reports of homeowners putting themselves at risk by returning to their homes before undertaking a complete muck out, we recognize the need to provide training in this area.  For information on future trainings and muck outs in Staten Island, contact our Staten Island Programs Manager, Michelle Bascome at: mbascome@worldcares.org.

Since Sandy, we have deployed volunteer teams, with trained team leaders, to muck out over 600 homes in the Rockaways.  Homeowners who take on the task of mucking out their homes on their own, or with makeshift volunteer crews, should proceed carefully.  We’ve put together some handy tips for ensuring that your muck out is done properly.  Moving too quickly through the process won’t get you into your home any sooner.  Given the very nature of flooding and water damage, time is needed.  Here are our top 10 tips for conducting a muck out and stopping mold growth:

1)      Understand the conditions under which mold thrives so you know why a step-by-step muck out process is critical. 

Mold thrives in warm temperatures (+60^◦F), in water (+60% moisture), and with a food source (carbon-based materials like wood). 

2)      Monitor your health for symptoms associated with mold exposure and make sure you take safety precautions to prevent exposure as much as possible.

Mold spores can cause the following known health effects and symptoms (allergic reactions, respiratory effects like asthma, irritant effects like skin rashes, opportunistic infections, and reproductive effects).

3)      “Clean, Kill, and Coat” - The mold remediation process should include these steps to ensure your home is inhabitable and ready for rebuilding.

Clean out your home of unsalvageable items that are breeding mold, kill mold spores by disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces, and coat surfaces with a mold remediation solution.

4)       Get the proper personnel and volunteers so the project is safe and on schedule.

Ideally, you want a licensed contractor, a trusted volunteer with professional experience in construction and electrical work, and a team of volunteers that are trained.  Find online training for volunteers at our website: http://bit.ly/X4GouS.

5)      Personal safety equipment is essential for a successful muck out.

You can’t move forward with a muck out without the following essential equipment:  hardhat, goggles, N95-level respirator, work gloves, rubber boots, and heavy-duty rubber gloves.  A disposable “Tyvek” type coverall is ideal to protect your clothes.

6)      Prepare for the unexpected by being rested and emotionally ready to undertake a muck out.

There will be surprises during a muck out including the possibility of minor accidents given the presence of hazards such as sharp objects and electrical wiring.  Don’t be surprised if you see critters (wild and domestic animals) unexpectedly hiding in nooks and open spaces.  Expect the unexpected.

7)      Have all your muck out equipment handy before you start any work.

At the very least, you will need:  a 3-gallon bucket, crow bar, pry bar, box cutter, hammer, garden sprayer, bleach or mold remediation solution, contractor-grade garbage bags, and a first aid kit.

8)      Shut down to reduce hazards:  gas, water, and electrical shut offs.

Work in a well-ventilated area – open and air out the house for at least 30 minutes prior to work, remove drapes that impede air flow, and utilize fans to improve ventilation.  Make sure the gas is shut off at the main valve, the water is shut off to the main water supply, and that your electrical system is shut off. If you are unsure about how to do these shut offs, consult a trained construction worker or call the gas company or your local fire department.

9)      Prior to clean up, decide which items you need to discard and identify trained workers for specific clean up tasks.  Remove flooring and walls 12 inches above the flood level.

Remove contaminated debris/items, progressing from smallest to large appliances.  Mattresses and upholstered furniture should be removed as well as carpeting, papers and books, and food items.  Appliances that were under water or housed in moldy rooms should also be disposed of.

10)  Respect the mold remediation process by following guidelines for adequate drying time.  Wash and sanitize, treat with mold remediation solution, and ventilate and dry the house thoroughly.

Use a pressure washer or spray to wash down and disinfect all floor and wall surfaces beginning at the flood level.  Use mold disinfectant products such as Shockwave or Sporicidin or create your own bleach/water solution.  Depending on the severity of the mold, you may have to coat surfaces with the mold remediation solution up to three times (drying thoroughly in between each coating) to ensure that mold is effectively stopped in its tracks.  Rushing during this part of the process may impede your rebuilding if mold is not sufficiently killed.

We know homeowners have been devastated since Sandy.  The process of rebuilding requires a team effort, expert help, and patience to work through the stages of a successful muck out.  The reward for following these safety precautions will be progress towards a safe return to your home and peace of mind that you provided a foundation for rebuilding through effective mold remediation.

Nowhere is the need for team work and coordinated volunteer efforts more apparent than in the weeks following hurricane Sandy, as homeowners take their first steps to clean up their homes in preparation for rebuilding.  No homeowner can go it alone with such a daunting task.  For some residents hardest hit by Sandy, their immediate needs remain basic necessities like heat, food, clothing, and water.  For others, they have taken their first steps to look at reclaiming their homes.  World Cares Center and our main partners including, AmeriCares, Brooklyn Brewery, Calvary Presbyterian Church, and Turner Construction work on multiple levels to address these needs.  Our lifeblood for getting the job done: volunteer teams, networks of community organizations, and individual efforts. 

We’re currently undertaking two large-scale initiatives:  “Operation Winter Warmth” and “Operation Muck Out”, joint projects between WCC and AmeriCares. “Operation Winter Warmth” distributes sleeping bags to those still without the basic necessities of electricity and heat, especially seniors and those with mobility issues.  “Operation Muck Out” coordinates and trains teams of volunteers to clean up homes by removing water and debris to actively prevent the build-up of mold. 

On Tuesday, November 13^th, WCC worked with AmeriCares, Brooklyn Brewery, and Calvary Presbyterian Church to distribute sleeping bags in Staten Island.  Our local volunteers in Staten Island worked hard to identify individuals who were still without power by canvassing neighborhoods and reaching out to residents.  Many of those residents, including seniors, continue to need family support and community resources to keep safe and warm.  Calvary Church has generously allowed us to use their church as a command center for Staten Island relief efforts.  Ready responders receive volunteer trainings in this neighborhood location, making for an efficient coordination and supply distribution process. 

On Friday, November 16^th, we will continue with “Operation Winter Warmth” for a second day of sleeping bag distribution, focusing on hard-hit areas of Staten Island like Tottenville and New Dorp. 

At the same time, WCC has been working in the Rockaways on the Muck Out of homes.  Muck out is a crucial first step for rebuilding.  A complete Muck Out includes:

• A home assessment
•  Removal of all items soaked by flood waters
• Removal of Sheetrock 12” above the flood line
• Removal of insulation
• Spraying exposed surfaces with a bleach solution to inhibit toxic mold growth
  

Inhibiting the growth of mold (a fungus), is crucial to prevent the hazards of mold exposure, including allergic reactions, respiratory effects, dermatitis, and the spread of infections. Once debris and the threat of mold growth are dealt with, homeowners can start rebuilding and repairing.

Last Sunday, November 11^th, with the help of AmeriCares, Brooklyn Brewery, Turner Construction, and “From Brooklyn With Love,” we cleaned up 20 homes and 1 church with a group of over 70 volunteers.  These muck out services are continuing to grow exponentially.  On November 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd, and then again on December 1^st, we will triple our volunteer numbers and return to the Rockaways for Muck Outs.  We estimate over 200 volunteers for these days.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit our website at: www.worldcares.org to fill out an individual volunteer application.  Homeowners wanting Muck Out assistance should first request it by calling 311.  WCC and other organizations coordinate Muck Outs with the city to identify homeowners in need of our services.

Earlier this morning, the National Hurricane Center advised that Hurricane Sandy was moving toward the Northeast slowly, but could head up the East Coast this weekend. Maximum sustained winds are near 80 MPH with higher gusts.  Sandy is currently a category one hurricane and could weaken or strengthen as it travels eastward.  Wind and rainfall are two of the biggest hazards from Hurricane Sandy.  The combination, along with the possibility of storm surges (an offshore rise of water caused by a tropical cyclone) could cause huge flooding issues.  Officials are watching the Hurricane’s path closely as the storm could intensify as it meets cold air from the Midwest.  This has the potential to create flooding in record amounts for the Tri-State region.

World Cares Center is conducting two training sessions today to help ready volunteers and advise relief agencies on affiliated and spontaneous volunteer coordination.   In addition to training for volunteers, WCC wants to help you prepare for the impact of the storm:

• Create individual and family preparedness plans and practice them with your family members
• Make sure you have these four essentials:  An ICE (In Case of Emergency) card, a call tree, an evacuation plan, and a Go Bag.
• The call tree should have all the phone numbers of family and friends that you may need to contact during an emergency

The Go Bag should be waterproof and should have the following:  important papers (Photo ID, proof of address), extra set of house keys/car keys, cash, ATM card, quarters for pay phone,  bottled water and snacks such as granola bars, first-aid kit, flashlight and whistle, list of medications for every family member and prescriptions, a radio with batteries or hand-cranked radio, phone number of at least one contact not in your area, map of your city/region, and warm clothes

Continue to check on evacuation information by using these information resources: NJ211, NY311, www.ready.gov/hurricanes, and the NJ OEM website (www.ready.nj.gov).  Follow World Cares Center on Twitter and Facebook, and locate the nearest shelter.  In the event of an evacuation, make sure your family has a plan or you know your building’s evacuation plan.  Make sure you:

• Have a floor plan of your home
• Locate exits for each room and make sure windows open easily.
• Have more than one route to leave each room.
• Have a plan for who will assist those with special needs or limited mobility
• Determine a contact outside your area that will check in with you if an evacuation order is placed.
• Have a pre-determined meeting place for friends and family.
• Have a plan for how you will access information once you have evacuated.

Once you have prepared yourself and your family and feel secure, consider helping your neighbors, especially the elderly and persons with special needs who may really need your helping hand.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates.

When World Cares Center created its unique emergency response, collaborative support system 11 years ago, it partnered with some remarkable corporate sponsors to host a one-of-a-kind culinary competition called the Iron Skillet® Cook Off.  The first cook off in 2002 was a “Thank you” to the Firefighters, and one year later, it became World Cares Center’s signature fundraiser. This annual cook off between Firehouse Chefs and world renowned New York restaurant chefs relied on corporate sponsorship to provide the venue, the food, the live auction prizes, and much more. 

The Firehouse Chefs and restaurant Chefs generously gave their time, knowing that 100% of the proceeds would go to help communities coordinate and train for emergency response and disaster preparedness.

With us from the start has been Brooklyn Brewery, the local purveyor of fine crafted beers.  Brooklyn Brewery paired our chef offerings with their award-winning roster of specialty beers like Oktoberfest and Brooklyn Lager.  Also in the spotlight, were other generous sponsors that continue to support WCC’s programs through the Iron Skillet® Cook Off each year including:  Turner Construction Company, RailWorks, London Fischer LLP, Blackstone Financial, and Newmark Knight Frank.  These platinum level sponsors have maintained a commitment to World Cares Center as it redefines emergency response.  This annual fundraiser makes it possible for local community leadership and everyday citizens to make lasting changes in their preparedness plans for a safer tomorrow.  

Other sponsors, such as Crimson in Manhattan, Metronome Hospitality Group, and Dickstein Shapiro LLP, have also continued to give generously throughout the years.  The return on their investment has been far reaching, including the enrichment of their company’s mission as they reach out to their community, in-kind donations that showcase their unique products and venues, and media exposure for ongoing good works.

“World Cares Center and its programs would not exist if not for out corporate sponsors who provide support through finance,donated product and subject matter expertise. The Iron Skillet®  Cook Off is our way of saying thank you and shining a spotlight on those who make our work possible”, said Lisa Orloff, founder of World Cares Center. 

Sign up as a corporate sponsor at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze level and start putting your sponsorship dollars to work for you (and so many others).  This is a fun-filled event that you won’t want to miss! 

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit www.ironskilletcookoff.org

Follow us on Twitter #ironskilletcookoff

Most of us find that Hurricane Irene happened a long time ago, but the truth is that there are still homeowners who are recovering from the effects of the August storm. As you know, World Cares Center (WCC) has taken on a major role in the relief efforts in New Jersey. Between coordinating more than 1,100 homeowners in need and 25 partner nonprofits and faith-based organizations, WCC currently goes into the field, making direct contact with the residents in need and assessing their home situations. Recently, our Leading & Managing program manager went together with a member of Burlington CERT to assess four homes in Northern New Jersey. After a thorough evaluation, the report on the assessment will be presented in the next Long Term Recovery meeting. Based on needs, available resources, and manpower, the homeowners will be receiving appropriate assistance. 

Each one of the 1,122 homeowners who called into WCC, have their own story of woe and perseverance. Cases range from elderly single women to families, to teens with recent surgery, and they all need our help to clean up their homes. In working with our wonderful partners, WCC helped to successfully respond to more than half of the initial requests. Some of their homes presented straightforward recovery solutions and their needs received prompt assistance. Other cases were more complicated and evolved over months of continued coordination and follow through. As we move forward with the rebuilding phase, we are looking ahead to a two-year recovery for the residents of New Jersey.

If you want to get involved and be part of this important work, please visit our website at www.worldcares.org and volunteer with us. Stay tuned for more stories to come!

Six months ago, Hurricane Irene struck New Jersey, resulting in extensive flooding and widespread damage. All 21 counties of New Jersey were declared disaster areas as World Cares Center (WCC) joined the immediate response to immediate needs.  Following this primary stage, remains active on the ground and is a member of 5 Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) in New Jersey. The collaborative, cooperative, and coordinated efforts among all agencies and volunteers involved within the long term recovery of New Jersey are vital to the success of these committees.   

The focus of a LTRC is to create community resilience to concentrate on those citizens who are still suffering from the wrath of Hurricane Irene. The LTRCs discuss crucial, pressing issues- emotional and spiritual support, cleanup and rebuilding needs- and with the help of local faith-based and community leaders, residents of New Jersey are being made aware that the LTRC members are reaching out to find and help them.  

If you are interested in volunteering to help us with rebuilding, case management, construction, and general labor, as well as administrative and supervisory needs, log onto worldcares.org and click the “involved” button to be a part of these relief efforts.

Today marks the two-year anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Port-Au-Prince. I can’t believe it was two years ago that I spent most of my time in Haiti with a truly resilient group of people helping their own community recover from the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake and then a cholera outbreak.

I am continually humbled by the emergence of so much good, away from the cameras, in the small muddy fields where our Haitian team and our volunteers worked side by side. Although I was there to teach, I was taught. Although I was there to help and give hope, I received hope. To Mimi Douze, may this day give you peace in knowing all the good you do in memory of you mother. To my Haitian friends and team, my thoughts are with you. To our volunteers and partners, may we together renew our commitment to Haiti.

Moving into a new year, we usually like to reflect on the previous year’s achievements.  World Cares Center has served over 3,000 individuals and had great success with our annual fundraiser, The Iron Skillet Cook Off.  As we reflect on our successes, we know that our achievements would not be possible without the hard work, time, and dedication of our volunteers.  This year, volunteers have dedicated over 1500 hours of their time and talents to ensuring our programs are a success.   

Many of our dedicated volunteers hold full time jobs and have families.  For the help and dedication of each volunteer, we’d like to express a heartfelt:

We couldn’t do what we do without you!