Volunteering for Emergency Response

Written by RewardVolunteers.coop

Want to learn to support disaster and preparedness efforts in your community? By becoming trained as a disaster relief volunteer or an emergency response volunteer, you are being a proactive member of your community and providing much-needed support to local emergency response agencies during times of need.

Recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael have contributed to an increase in the need for disaster relief volunteers over the past year. More and more, as individuals are seeing those affected by such natural disasters, they are becoming compelled to help out by working as a volunteer in disaster relief.

If you, like so many others, feel the need to help those in need when a natural disaster occurs, you’ll find some helpful resources for getting started as a disaster volunteer here. Check out the disaster relief volunteer organizations and training programs below.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides training in volunteer management and basic disaster response skills, equipping individuals with knowledge about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. Disaster response skills provided include fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. This is a volunteer opportunity for all interested residents above the age of 18.

American Red Cross

Interested in getting trained in CPR and basic first aid so you can volunteer to help mass care and sheltering operations? Get training information for your local American Red Cross Chapter.

Medical Reserve Corps

Get trained and volunteer with Medical Reserve Corps to provide support during a public health emergency. Some activities MRC volunteers assist with include increasing health literacy, supporting prevention efforts and eliminating health disparities.

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)

National VOAD is an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters. Members of these organizations respond to disasters in the United States and around the world. Find out how you can get involved by volunteering or making a donation here.

Fire Corp

Interested in volunteering with your local fire department or EMS department? Fire Corps volunteers assist their local department in a non-emergency role by participating in activities such as teaching fire safety to children, distributing disaster preparedness materials, installing smoke alarms in area homes, providing refreshments to first responders during long incidents and much more.

Sources:
https://www.ready.gov/community-emergency-response-team
https://www.ready.gov/get-involved
https://www.ready.gov/volunteer