As I have written before, emergencies like hurricanes, typhoons, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters can happen anywhere you live. In the northwestern Nevada, we deal with floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. Across the border is the Lassen mountain area that could have volcanic activity in the future.
Because of the possible emergencies in my area, I volunteer as an emergency communicator. To be an emergency communicator, I have an amateur radio license and have taken the courses required by the State for emergency workers. Not every state has the same requirements.
If you want to be an emergency volunteer, here are a few organizations that welcome volunteers and train so that you will be ready in a local disaster.
CERTS: Community Emergency Response Teams
During a disaster, first-responders such as the police and fire departments may not be able to respond to all the problems. To supplement the first-responders, CERTS are trained in first aid and leadership skills so that these citizens can take care of their communities until help arrives. Information about these groups can be found under the Citizen Corps website. Each State has a liaison that works with CERTS to provide training.
ARC: American Red Cross
This humanitarian organizations main objective is to help people "prevent, prepare for, and cope with emergencies." This organization has training in first aid, CPR, and emergency volunteer training. Volunteer members of this organization go all over the world to help supply supplies and skills needed in emergencies. If you decide to volunteer in other organizations, the ARC are happy to give you the training needed as an emergency volunteer.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides disaster relief and canteen support to first-responders and emergency victims. If you need food and/ or shelter, the Salvation Army is there to help. This organization needs donations and volunteers to complete their mission. You can find more information about this organization on the internet.
ARES: Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ARES is a volunteer amateur radio service that provides emergency communication for emergency personnel. During a disaster, they usually work under communications functions. They are not first-responders. With their radios, they provide alternate communications during the loss of telephones, cell phones, or other communications. To be member of ARES, you need to have an FCC amateur radio license. ARES works with local amateurs and can be found all through the U.S.
Local Church
Where would you go if your house was demolished by an earthquake or a hurricane? In Louisiana and Missouri, many of the victims went to their local churches. Many churches in our area have emergency coordinators. These people organize their congregations to help each other during a disaster. Don't discount your church. They may need a volunteer or two.
As you can see from this list, there are many volunteer organizations that would be grateful for someone willing to learn emergency disaster preparations. This training can help your community and prepare you for emergencies. When the levee broke in Fernley, Nevada, the community was not prepared for a flood. A flood in that part of the desert was improbable, even ridiculous. But it did happen.
Emergencies happen. Use that Boy Scout Motto: Be prepared.
