Severe Weather Shelter Shifts

What are Severe Weather Shelter Shifts?

When severe weather hits Portland, NETs may be deployed to assist at emergency weather shelters which are run by Multnomah County and/or the City of Portland. Various roles might be available depending on need. Some shifts involve direct service to shelter guests. Others might be shelter set-up and demobilization, when guests are not in facilities. Roles can include:

• General Staff Volunteers (most common)
• Passenger Transportation Volunteers
• Logistics Volunteers
• Behavioral Health Specialist Volunteers
• Person-in-Charge (PIC)

How Does Severe Weather Shelter Deployment Work?

This is an evolving process, and this page will be updated as needed. Currently, a typical scenario goes as follows:

1. Multnomah County decides that the weather forecast meets their thresholds to open emergency shelters. Usually, the County then issues an emergency declaration.
2. Typically, the County then issues a request for shelter staff to the City of Portland.
3. The City, through PBEM, begins by recruiting paid City workers to fill shelter shifts in various roles.
4. If the need for staff is expected to exceed the number of County and City staff available, PBEM will recruit NETs to fill the gap.
5. If NETs cannot fill all needed shifts, public recruitment might be initiated.

What Training is Required for NETs or the Public to Volunteer in Shelters Serving Guests?

For all General Staff, Person-in-Charge (PIC), and Behavioral Health Specialist Volunteers who will interact with shelter guests, Multnomah County requires:

• Bloodborne Pathogens for Emergency Shelters (Approximately 30 minutes to review)

• Disaster Resource Center Online Videos (Approximately 3 hours)
  • If you are unable to watch all the videos in this playlist, at minimum please watch the Portland NET/TPI Intro to warming shelter video (Approximately 10 minutes)
• Naloxone Training - Opioid Overdose (30-45 minutes to watch videos and read the content)

Note: These and other support position roles may have additional recommended training. Review them here.

Shelter Safety Guidance (ICS Form 208)

Note that incident-specific Form 208s may be issued to supersede this general information. In that case, volunteers will be notified in email deployment requests, or on shift registration forms.

This message is intended for shelter volunteers responding to an incident. It is not all inclusive and is generic in nature. Responding volunteers should seek guidance from their shelter supervisors and on-site security and safety staff for additional details pertaining to the job and safety. Volunteers must follow rules, laws, policies and regulations and immediately report all illnesses, injuries, accidents, collisions, unsafe conditions and close calls/near misses to your supervisor.

• Safety briefings: Prior to working at your assigned location, see your supervisor and site security/safety. Be sure to receive a briefing related to your specific job. If you have any questions, please seek guidance.  
• Reporting incidents: Report all incidents to your on-site supervisor as soon as possible. Call 911 for all emergencies. Call site security for security issues. Also report safety incidents or concerns to the PBEM NET Coordinator as soon possible.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): For your specific assignment, consult with your supervisor. Your job might require you to wear gloves, eye protection, or a high visibility (NET) vest. Carry your own charged cell phone in your pocket. Your supervisor will have additional guidance when you arrive to the assigned location.
• Parasitic Insects (e.g., bed bugs, scabies, lice): Wear long sleeves and long pants. Insect repellent may also be applied according to manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid physical contact with shelter guests and their belongings. Do not comingle guest and staff belongings. Wear disposable gloves if handling guest belongings or providing treatment/assistance requiring physical contact. Wash clothes in hot water and dry on high heat setting in a dryer.
• Emergency Shelters: Be prepared for large groups. People might be tired, upset, hungry. Stay calm. Ask for help. If unable to do your job, communicate to your supervisor quickly.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Observe the dynamics within the shelter, notice potential conflicts, and be mindful of exits and escape routes.
• Maintain professional boundaries: Treat everyone with dignity and respect but maintain clear boundaries.
• Know when to call for help: Don't hesitate to seek assistance from colleagues or security personnel if a situation escalates or feels unsafe.
• Appropriate attire: Dress in a way that is professional, and wear sturdy shoes for potential hazards.
• De-escalation training: Learn techniques to calm tense situations and diffuse potential conflicts. De-escalation and Mental Health First Aid classes are announced to NETs in Volunteer Bulletins when scheduled.
• Observe body language: Pay attention to non-verbal cues that may indicate aggression or distress.
• Stay informed about shelter policies: Understand the rules and procedures including emergency protocols.
• Be aware of potential hazards: Be cautious of needles, sharp objects, or other potentially dangerous items, and wear appropriate protective gear when needed.
• Report suspicious activity: Immediately report any concerning behavior, threats, or potential violence to supervisors.
• Cold/Heat Stress:

1. Review information about signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and how to respond.
2. Cold stress symptoms may include: Shivering (worsening to lack of shivering), fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion and disorientation, and changes in skin color.
3. Wear appropriate clothing for the elements. Personnel working in the cold should wear warm hats covering the ears, gloves, and socks/footwear. Clothing should be layered, made of breathable materials, and have a waterproof or water-resistant out layer. Manage clothing to prevent becoming too warm or soaked with perspiration.

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Avoid walking on slippery surfaces. Use slip-resistant and/or traction footwear if slippery walking surfaces cannot be avoided. Shoe ice traction devices are highly recommended for staff while traveling and/or working outdoors. Remove when driving and working in doors.

• Mental Health/Workplace Stress: Watch for signs of stress. Take breaks. Report to your supervisor if needed.
• Food safety: Follow proper food safety rules and practices (see Oregon Food Sanitation Rule), such as washing hands before and after preparing and/or serving food, sanitizing preparation and serving surfaces, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking and storing foods at appropriate temperatures, and throwing out prepared foods left at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Stretching/Ergonomics/Other:

1. Follow proper body mechanics when moving supplies and equipment.
2. Stretch. Cold temps reduce blood flow to muscles increasing the risk of injuries. Take regular stretch breaks.
3. Stay hydrated! Water is best. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks.
4. Grab electrolytes and handwarmers for your go bag.

CALL your supervisor if you have any questions or need help. Asking for help is a sign of strength!