AT LAST THERE IS HOPE
The desire to assist the American Red Cross began at the Country Roads 2001 event when we arrived shortly after devastating floods ravaged West Virginia. We felt helpless because the relief agencies didn’t know us. After contacting various agencies to offer our services, we were told that liability issues prevented us from assisting. We went home resolved to set up a program with the Red Cross so we would be ready for the next disaster.
After two years of effort, we successfully established a statement of understanding with the American Red Cross in South Bend to coordinate our interaction on a national level. This means that whether you live in California or Maine, you can be a part of this program and assist the American Red Cross in your area during times of need.
In November of 2003, at the American Red Cross Disaster Symposium in South Bend, Indiana our Club announced an agreement with the American Red Cross to assist them in disaster relief. The new program, known as HOPE (HUMMER Owners Prepared for Emergencies) will certify qualifying members as Red Cross volunteers who can be deployed by the local chapters of Red Cross to drive supplies and Red Cross personnel into disaster areas where other vehicles might not be able to reach.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
The basic requirements of the program for the HUMMER Club are as follows:
You must be a current member of the HUMMER Club in good standing.
You must be competent in radio protocol or willing to obtain necessary training within one year.
You must have or obtain “Trail Endorsement” through the HUMMER Club within one year of membership in the HOPE program.
You must complete the Red Cross CPR and First Aid Courses.
A packet will be mailed to the interested Club member with a check list of required documents and related information. Our plan is to soon have HOPE membership registration on-line within this web site. To receive your membership packet please email your request to
glen@thehummerclubinc.com.
When you receive your packet, follow the directions, view the “Introduction to Disaster Services” tape, take the self-test and fill out the course evaluation on the last page of the pamphlet.
You must provide the following items to The Hummer Club:
A copy of your drivers license.
Proof of vehicle insurance.
A copy of your First Aid/CPR training certification. (If it is not American Red Cross first aid certification, send a copy of your current certification. If you need first aid/ CPR training, your local chapter of the American Red Cross has classes available for a nominal fee).
Copies of EMT, First Responder Certificates or other related certifications, if applicable.
The “Intro to Disaster Services” quiz answer sheet and course evaluation.
A signed copy of the Red Cross Code of Conduct.
A check made payable to The Hummer Club, Inc. for your
HOPE Program Membership fee of $55 to cover the cost of the HOPE program shirt and Red Cross First Aid Kit that you must carry in your vehicle at all times during a disaster response.
Once you have returned these materials, you will be mailed your identification cards, patches, pin and door magnets that designate you as a disaster volunteer plus you will receive your first aid kit and shirt (that you must wear while acting as a volunteer).
A further requirement is your ‘Trail Endorsement’ for the program. This endorsement can be obtained from the HUMMER Club by attending a HOPE program endorsement class within one year of sign up with the program. Endorsement classes will generally be offered at all of the Clubs offroad events. Currently, we are working with GM and their interested dealerships to offer our endorsement classes along with first aid training as part of HUMMER Happenings in your local area.
