On March 7 and 8, 2008, 18 representatives including officers, employees and volunteers from across the territory gathered together to take part in the National Disaster Training Program “Train-the-Trainer” course.

The EDS co-ordinator for the USA Eastern Territory, Mike Orfeteli, guided delegates through the extensive program that will allow each division to have their own emergency disaster trainer.

Training topics at “Train-the-Trainer” included making short presentations, adult learning styles, workshop personality and space dynamics, personal workshop preparation and letting others learn without lecturing.

Trainers will be re-certified every five years through the Territorial Emergency Disaster Services office.

These divisional trainers will develop disaster responders’ skills and knowledge and better prepare and equip them to respond to disasters in a prompt, efficient and effective manner.

Whenever disaster strikes, the presence of Salvation Army personnel is expected. Often assigned a specific role by Emergency Preparedness authorities, such as counselling, registration and identification, transportation, emergency housing, feeding or clothing, The Salvation Army is well equipped to handle any demands made of it in a disciplined and resourceful manner.