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6 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2025 | WHO ARE THE EPAP VOLUNTEERS? By Janis Rice, EPAP PIO The EPAP Executive Team spends a lot of time attempting to recruit volunteers to join our EPAP Team. Perhaps we should focus on the amazing individuals who are currently volunteering for EPAP. On April 27, the EPAP Executive Team honored our EPAP Volunteers with an Appreciation Get Together at the South Clubhouse. There were over 115 in attendance. Some of these volunteers have been with our team for a few months or a year or two, and then there are those who have given many, many years. Some of our volunteers have been with EPAP for 5, 10, and even over 20 years. This takes so much dedication and determination. We, the residents of Sun Lakes, are fortunate to have such devoted individuals in our neighborhoods. Even though we have not had a major event (knock on wood), we know they are ready to assist if and/or when they are needed. BUT WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS! The number of volunteers we have is just a fraction of what we would need if there was a large earthquake, fire, chemical spill, and/or other disaster. We are not particular. We just need volunteers who are willing to accept a challenge and step up when needed. So, what are the EPAP volunteer positions we are looking to fill? EPAP Coordinator (EC) is a very important position. Ideally, one EC is needed in each District. The EC must be able to organize and direct District Zone Captains, FAST volunteers, patrol, and residents prior to and during an emergency situation. Next are the FAST Volunteers (First Aid Support Team). FAST volunteers do not have to have a medical background, but having knowledge of first aid is very important. Their primary responsibility is to assist residents during an emergency event. (In the past, this position was called MRT.) The most well-known position is the Zone Captain. These volunteers are best known for helping the District Delegates, but they are also responsible for verification of the status of residents in their neighborhood zone following the occurrence of a large-scale emergency, and maintaining a reliable link between the residents in their zone and their EPAP Coordinator and District Delegate. A lesser-known position but still very important is the Program Manager. Their main responsibility is to help maintain District resident's information. This information is vital for residential tracking in the event of an emergency. Finally, last but not least, is the EPAP Patrol. These individuals are a needed and valuable resource during an emergency. Their duty is to patrol the neighborhood and report back to the EC and/or FAST personnel of any individuals needing assistance or property damage. They may also be asked to assist in evacuations. Get to know the EPAP representatives in your neighborhood and when you see them, make sure you tell them how much you appreciate them. Someday, they may save your life. BEING PREPARED WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.

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