Get Involved

Volunteers carrying a stretcher

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:
 

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

Many local faith-based and community groups have ways to be active in supporting disasters too – ask at your local house of worship how you can get involved.

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

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.