Texas Citizen Corps members helping fill in gaps

"They stayed behind to keep an eye on things in Robert Lee when that town had to be evacuated. They were also on hand in other areas to help organize local efforts to fight the fire and deal with the aftermath. They work closely with agencies like the Red Cross and others."

Chapline said the idea for a Citizen Corps was developed shortly after the 9/11 attacks in New York, and spread around the country. In Texas, she said the groups were initially organized through the state's network of Councils of Governments, regional bodies that put local people and resources together.

Currently, the Texas Citizen Corps program is guided by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and administered by the Texas Association of Regional Councils and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management.

"Groups are organized through cities, counties and some through the COGs," Chapline said. They were on hand at the Houston Astrodome after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, where they helped organize the 60,000 volunteers who showed up looking to help. They made sure all those people knew where to go and what job they needed to do."

Chapline said the Corps helps out in all kinds of situations, but it's at its best bringing order to chaotic situations.

"Think of us as an umbrella, with each of the points being a different program area. We are able to bring our people in to work with local authorities to assist them however we are needed."

Chapline said that while many of the people who are Corps members have public safety backgrounds, volunteers for the group come from all ages and all backgrounds.

"Most of the local CERTs have people from all walks of life who are concerned about their communities, and want to be prepared when and if a disaster strikes to be able to help," she said.

The conference is open to anyone interested in the Citizen Corps program, including regional councils of governments, local, state and federal agencies, volunteers, emergency management professionals, first responder and other interested parties. Local elected officials and management-level decision-makers will also attend.

Sessions will include training, strategic policy discussions, briefings from leaders in the Citizen Corps programs from across the nation, networking and best practices events, and an exhibit hall. For more information, click here.