The rollout of volunteer corps in Flanders is in full swing. In the first phase, volunteers receive training and learn about the crisis tool that has also been available since this weekend. “Municipalities can launch a request for help on this crisis tool, after which volunteers receive the necessary instructions,” says Minister Hilde Crevits. “The volunteer corps can be deployed in the event of floods, heat waves or even a power outage. 123 municipalities have already registered in recent months to set up a volunteer corps.”
The first corps started training in Roeselare. The participants were first introduced to some practical exercises such as filling sandbags. Then they started with a first aid initiation. Local authorities can decide for themselves which skills are taught. Only first aid training is mandatory.
“It is heart-warming to see how many Roeselare residents are immediately ready to help. Less than 24 hours after the call at the end of September, the first fifteen places were filled, and we now already have 75 volunteers. That says a lot about the commitment and enthusiasm that exists in our city,” says Mayor Kris Declercq.