• Crowd and Traffic Control
  • Traffic control should always be done by incident commanders or at the very least under the direct supervision of an incident commander.  High visibility clothing should be worn at all times.
    
• Messenger Service and Communication
  • Messenger and Communication services are generally used in areas that are very metropolitan and have very congested traffic situations or during emergencies so that they do not have to rely on mailing services or other means of communication.  During times of emergences, volunteers providing messenger assistance should keep a basic preparedness kit with them containing some of the following items:  first-aid kit, flashlight, knife, pencil, map of your area, and cash.  Remember to always get written confirmation that whoever receives your service provides you a written receipt so that you may return it to the sender. 

                                    i. Some adults and scouts are able to use HAM radios during an emergency which indicates that these adults have earned an amateur radio license.  With Amateur radio you will not have to rely on cell phone towers or phone lines to communicate and coordinate with local emergency management organizations; all you need is a power source and a radio.  You can learn more about Amateur radio at the American Radio Relay League.

3. Collection and Distribution Services
   1. After disasters there may be a portion of the community that is in need of supplies.  Under the guidance of leaders and local emergency management officials, scout troops may be able to gather needed items from food and supply stores and deliver them to a determined centralized location. 
      
      
4. Mass Feeding, Shelter, and Sanitation
   1. Scouts generally have a lot of knowledge when it comes to emergency sheltering and water sanitation.  This is why in an emergency situation it is not uncommon for the scouts to be utilized in aiding local emergency management agencies.  A scout troop should always make sure that these types of operations are under the direction of the incident commander or other official in charge.  Some basic supplies are required for mass feeding:

                                    i.      Cooking pots (preferably large to boil water)
ii.     Grates/grills
iii.     Firestarters
iv.     Rope to mark off feeding areas

Please contact the Plano Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for further questions or for opportunities in volunteering: dhs@plano.gov.