On a sunny Saturday morning 46 individuals representing the local branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) gathered for a day long American Red Cross Disaster Services Training Blitz.

During the day's training participants completed the following American Red Cross courses:

• Introduction to Disaster Services
• Mass Care: An Overview
• Shelter Operations

In addition participants had the opportunity to get on the job training on how an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) worked.

	Alberta Duffie, a Disaster Services volunteer with the Capital Area Chapter, helps complete the setup for the day long graining.
	Participants begin to arrive and are greeted by Frances Wagar, another Disaster Services volunteer from the Capital Area Chapter.
	David Belton, a representative from American Red Cross National Headquarters, who helped to coordinate the NAACP Disaster Service Training Blitz, began the days event with introductions of the various NAACP and American Red Cross leaders who help make the day a success.
	Training Blitz participants listen to the introductions.
	Saboo Williams, a NAACP regional coordinator stresses the importants of the NAACP and the American Red Cross working in partnership during disasters.
	Charles Evans, President of the Tallahassee Branch of the NAACP also stressed the need for working together in all phases of disaster. From planning and preparedness, to response and recovery, to mitigation North Florida will be better prepared when we are one team.
	Part of the day's training was to give a few participants some "On The Job Training" by having them serve lunch off of Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) # 1173. Zilpah Boyd, a Disaster Services volunteer with the Capital Area Chapter prepares to give a short overview on how to serve food and drinks off of the ERV.
	The four (4) particiapnts who volunteer to serve lunch off of ERV # 1173 had a great time.
	Lunch Time!
	After picking up their lunch from ERV # 1173 everyone gathered to eat their meal and socialize.
	After lunch the American Red Cross Shelter Operations and Mass Care: an Overview courses were facilitated.
	Part of the Shelter Operations course invloved an inspection of one of the Capital Area Chapter's Shelter Trailers.
	Gathered together as ONE TEAM, NAACP and American Red Cross working together to care for disaster vicitms.
	After the Shelter Trailer inspection, Disaster Services training continued with the completion of the Shelter Operations course.
	Sabu Williams (right) and Chris Floyd (left), wrap-up the NAACP Disaster Services Training Blitz