TDEM Disaster Reservist Program

What is the Disaster Reservist Program?
In 1982, the Division initiated a Disaster Reservist program to quickly provide additional staff to carry out public assistance, individual assistance, mitigation, and public information programs to augment its permanent staff during large-scale emergencies or major disasters. Disaster Reservists are called up to work during disasters on an "as needed basis" and are paid at a daily rate based on their experience. We are soliciting applications from Texans who have an interest in participating in disaster recovery operations in Texas. On occasion, disaster reservists may also be requested to provide assistance for disasters in other states.

Who should apply?
Any adult interested in temporary work to assist in disaster recovery who has expertise to perform various recovery functions and the flexibility to be activated and deployed to disaster areas to provide assistance for 30 days or more. We are particularly interested in enrolling people with previous experience in emergency management or disaster preparedness, and people who have worked in the following areas:

How do I apply?
Download the application and security clearance forms below, complete them, and fax the completed forms to the number shown on the top of the application. Forms will require Acrobat Reader to view them
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• Application (PDF)
• Security Clearance (PDF)

Authority
Under the authority of the Texas Disaster Act, Government Code, Chapter 418, Section 418.045(a) The Division may employ or contract with temporary personnel from funds appropriated to the division, from federal funds, or from the disaster contingency fund. The merit system does not apply to the temporary or contract positions. The division may enroll, organize, train, and equip a cadre of disaster reservists with specialized skills in disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, community outreach, and public information to temporarily augment its permanent staff. The division may activate enrolled disaster reservists to support recovery operations in the aftermath of a disaster or major emergency and pay them at a daily rate commensurate with their qualifications and experience. Chapter 654, Chapter 2254, and Subtitle D, Title 10, do not apply in relation to a disaster.

Activation
Reservists may be activated whenever a disaster occurs of such magnitude and severity that additional staff is needed to conduct recovery operations for the disaster.

Training
The Texas Division of Emergency Management conducts periodic training for reservists. This training will be both introductory and program specific. Topics covered are: Damage Assessment, Response and Recovery Operations, Debris Removal, Recovery Centers, Mitigation Efforts, Donations, Public Information and Community Relations. Costs of training are covered by the Division. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a wide range of emergency management courses. You can access courses at: http://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.asp

As a minimum, prospective reservists should complete the following free online courses prior to activation:

• IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System
• IS-200 ICS For Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
• IS-800 National Response Plan (NRP), An Introduction

For additional information about the Disaster Reservist program, please contact:

Roger Feuge, External Support Coordinator
Department of Public Safety
Texas Division of Emergency Management
Recovery Section
PO Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0228
(512) 424-5349 / Fax (512) 424-7819