Martin Volunteers knows how important it is to prepare volunteers before and during the recovery process, which is why the United Way of Martin County program recently operated a mock disaster exercise at its office in Stuart.

A total of 16 United Way staff and trained volunteers opened a volunteer reception center on July 30 where 13 unaffiliated volunteers, including five from the Kohl's A-Team, were registered, interviewed and assigned to various volunteer opportunities throughout Martin County.

In the event of an actual disaster, unaffiliated volunteers would perform such volunteer duties as: water and ice distribution, tree and limb removal, hotline operators, meal delivery, and more.

"We conducted a mock exercise last year and the lessons learned were implemented this year resulting in an even smoother mock exercise," Martin Volunteers Associate Director Dianne Young said. "I am very confident that with the addition of the trained volunteers, and the successful mock exercises, we are very well prepared to operate a volunteer reception center in the event of a disaster."

The volunteer reception center would open at the direction of Martin County Emergency Operations Center officials after the "all clear" notice is given.

Call (772) 220-4472, ext. 225 or visit www.martinvolunteers.org for more information.