11.1 Being Prepared

• Identify a possible facility for use as a Recovery Center. See Section on Physical Facility.
• Prepare a "crash kit" which includes supplies needed for the first 24 hours of operation; maps, nametag system, forms, Organization Chart, volunteer list, flyer materials, signs, and office supplies (customize per your preference).
• Identify sources willing to provide computers, FAX machines, and other required office equipment on a moments notice.
• Identify sources for obtaining appropriate maps for your area. See Section on Mapping.
• Create a phone tree. List the names of volunteers willing to fill key positions as well as general volunteers. Update regularly. See Volunteer List.
• Create a FAX list. An up to date database of FAX numbers can save precious time at the beginning of a search effort. Consider having an on going volunteer process in place that maintains the following FAX number lists:
  • Local and regional merchants willing to post flyers received by FAX.
  • Local and regional law enforcement agencies.
  • Local and regional media contacts.
  • National child find organizations.
  • Regional and national lists of gas stations, car rental agencies, hotel chains, motel chains, public libraries, private schools, public schools, and hospitals.
• Identify businesses willing to provide goods, equipment, and supplies as needed. The Chamber of Commerce is a good starting point. See Resource List.
• Align your effort with local law enforcement; solicit their advice.
• Familiarize yourself with regional media contacts. Build an appropriate FAX list. Media can be a powerful ally. See Public Affairs.
• Identify any special assets that may be locally available, i.e. dog teams, fire and rescue, disaster management, helicopters, ultralights, etc. See Special Search Methods and Tasks.
• Recruit appropriate legal counsel willing to be of assistance.

Preparedness can include informal classroom sessions that familiarize potential community volunteers with the mechanics of running a Recovery Center:

• Conduct training classes, which portray a missing child scenario.
• Using this guide, divide responsibilities based on the Organizational Chart (Figure: Organization Chart). Appropriate nametags and forms should be used during simulation.
• Go through the motions of running a Recovery Center. In this simulation, the class will be representative of a community effort. A child is missing; this is your community - who does what?
  • As questions arise during the simulation, seek answers in this Manual and other sources. All situations are unique; you may have to create your own solutions for problems not specifically covered. Please provide feedback to the LRC Team (Section on Feedback).
  • Assemble a mock-up flyer and plan for distribution. See Section on Flyers.