Get Involved

During and after an emergency, Americans come together with courage and caring. People want to help. There are many ways to get involved before an emergency happens.  Having residents who are prepared and trained for emergencies creates a more resilient community, and helps local fire fighters, police and medical staff focus on those who need help the most during an emergency. Here are ways to help:

Volunteer to help emergency efforts in your area. Learn how to help.

Offer your help by joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps unit, American Red Cross or similar organization.

Many local faith-based and community groups have ways to be active in supporting disasters too.

Be part of the community planning process. Join and work with your local emergency planning group, Citizen Corps Council or local emergency management agency.

Join or start a preparedness project. Find an event or look up local resources, build a team, choose a project, set goals and serve your community. Get started.

Give money or goods to help with the clean up after an emergency. Learn more.

These are only a few ways that people and local groups can get involved to help an area get ready for and recover from an emergency.

For other ways that may be unique to your area, contact your local emergency management agency or citizen corps council in your area.