Every year Scouts, somewhere, have rendered excellent emergency service in time of disaster. The most efficient service can be done when the Scouts of the community can be mobilized quickly and with little confusion. And the way to assure this is to develop in the Troop a mobilization system and practice it from time to time.

Preparing The Mobilization System

Inform the parents of every Scout that the Troop may be called upon to assist in handling local emergencies. Make it clear that the Scout's services cannot be accepted without his parents' permission. Tell them what kinds of service may be rendered. Provide blanks for them to sign, granting their permission.

Arrange detailed plan for reaching every available Scout in the shortest possible time. For example: Scoutmaster 'phones two Assistants; each Assistant 'phones two Patrol Leaders and the Senior Patrol Leader or Junior Assistant Scoutmaster respectively; each Patrol Leader 'phones his Assistant Patrol Leader and three Scouts, the Assistant Patrol Leader taking care of the rest. For every man, have an alternate. For example: If Assistant Scoutmaster cannot be reached, an older Scout is called and does the Assistant's work. (A community-wide call will originate with the Scout Executive or the Local Council Office, which will call District Commissioners, who in turn will contact the Scoutmasters.)

Arrange an alternate plan for reaching the Scouts in case the telephone system is not working-or where Scouts do not have telephones. Messages may be carried by Scouts on foot, bicycle or automobile.

Supply each Scout or Scouter who is responsible for calling others with a list of names, addresses, telephone numbers and any additional instructions needed. Let him understand that persons difficult to reach are to be left till the last. The idea is to get the greatest possible number in motion in the shortest possible time. A quick and effective method for communities of moderate size is to display a mobilization flag (or a light if the call is issued at night) on the City Hall or other designated place. Instantly a Scout sees it he spreads the word. Another method is to secure the cooperation of the local fire department and arrange with them for a special call to be sounded on the fire alarm system. A list of persons authorized to give orders to have this call sounded should be on file at the fire department headquarters.

Another very effective method is to get the help of the local radio station, if any, to send the call over the air.

If arrangements are made with the school authorities, parents and employers of the Scouts, a call may be issued at any time of the day.

A definite place should be designated in advance for all mobilizations.

Types Of Mobilization

There are two types of orders for mobilization: "General Emergency Mobilization" and "Immediate Emergency." The former allows time for each Scout to be equipped with Uniform, packsack, rope, signal flags, one day's prepared rations, first aid kit, trolley tickets or carfare. The latter calls for immediate response by Scouts without equipment other than that regularly carried on their person: Pocket first aid kit and carfare-and, of course, Scout identification, consisting of Scout Registration Card and Scout pin.