Volunteer
Volunteers play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts across Delaware.
Voluntary organizations act as force multiplier helping local and state agencies provide immediate disaster assistance and resources to impacted areas. Volunteers continue disaster assistance beyond response efforts by also helping impacted communities recover and rebuild.
The coordination of voluntary organizations can occur through a request from the local or state government, or through non-profit agencies such as the Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Delaware VOAD).
The Delaware VOAD is important because volunteers pick up where state agencies leave off. The state can do the planning and the policy development, but they don't have the manpower to do the boots on the ground response during disasters that the Delaware VOAD can do.
Toby French, Team Rubicon, Delaware VOAD
Interested in Volunteering?
- Do not self-deploy when disasters occur!
While there is always a need for volunteers, it is best NOT to just show up to a disaster site. There may not be a volunteer coordinator present to assign jobs, and the scene could be unsafe for untrained and trained volunteers alike.
- Register before a disaster occurs.
Whether you're new to volunteering or are an experienced professional, the first step is to become affiliated with a TRUSTED volunteer organization PRIOR to a disaster occurring. Consider reaching out and signing up with any of the following organizations which can provide further guidance and training: - Listen to radio, TV, and social media announcements for information regarding volunteer opportunities.
If a Volunteer Reception Center opens, you may report to that site for further direction and assignment from a trusted organization.- Bring any related certifications, identifying documents, personal protection, hygiene needs, food, medications, and equipment.
- It is advisable to always keep track of the hours and work that you did.
Thank you to every volunteer!
Your support makes all the difference to disaster survivors.
