I wonder if this explains the formations of local NEC (Neighborhood Emergency Corps). They're still in their formation stage, but it looks their purpose is to have time zero boots on the ground in the form of neighborhood volunteers. Their job is to get things going and keep then going until the heavy resources (National Guard, FEMA, etc) are on site.
Mission statement
In Terms of Preparedness Activities, We Will:
Disseminate emergency preparedness information for various emergency scenarios
Participate in and/or conduct training seminars/workshops with local response agencies
Participate in and/or conduct drills for various emergency scenarios
Stockpile and encourage individuals to stockpile emergency supplies (food, water, batteries, etc.)
In Terms Of Response And/Or Recovery Activities, We Will Provide/Coordinate Community-Based:
Communication and information services
Housing/temporary shelter (community-based ARC trained teams
Animal Shelter/Services (Large Animal Support Team Volunteers)
Food and meals for survivors and/or volunteers*
Medical health services/first aid*
Volunteer center services (at neighborhood/micro level)
Search and rescue teams (encourage CERT volunteers)
Special needs care for the elderly & handicapped*
Transportation for survivors and their families
Interpretation/translation resource location
Mental health services:
Advocacy services*
Insurance advocacy*
*=Identification of community resources only; serve as interface for resources