disaster recovery centers are set up after disasters are declared and serve as places for residents to come and meet with several organizations and programs, such as FEMA and the red cross, to start their recovery process. hurricane sandy hit the coast of new england mid october of last year and there is still an extensive amount of recovery that is taking place. I was fortunate enough to shadow a FEMA employee in the area of hazard mitigation at a DRC (disaster recovery center) today and see the process firsthand. the DRC is not nearly as crowded or busy as it was a few months ago but there are definitely still applicants who come in everyday seeking advice on how to continue with their own recovery. there are still streets and neighborhoods that are blocked off to the public due to hurricane sandy devastation. next week, I will be going out with my team to assess damage to properties such as these (and by assess I mean to observe strictly from the outside, not to be confused with the job of a certified inspector or contractor...in case my FEMA team lead happens to read this blog....which in that case...hello and I'm glad you found my blog, either because you happened to google search specifically for "michelle's FEMA corps blog" or because I suggested you read it...either way, welcome!).
tomorrow I will spend the day at the same DRC except for with a different employee in the area of hazard mitigation. one of the most enjoyable parts of this entire experience has been meeting people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. the days have been long, the commutes have been even longer, but I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of a program that aims to serve other people and get to know wonderful employees and colleagues from all walks of life.
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