Recruit and Train Volunteers

Recruit and train volunteer team leaders who can guide and train spontaneous volunteers during a response. Our guidelines stress having at least one trained leader on a muck and gut crew, that everyone on the roof on a a tarping crewbe trained, and that all members of a chainsaw team be trained.

Build Response Team Kits with Tools & PPE

Consider a tool drive to build out your kits. Gently-used tools are a great way to start

Develop a Plan for Spontaneous Volunteers

Prepare Your +72-hour plan

Prepare checklists of tasks to be completed before the storm, during the storm, and after,

Identify the leaders, first responders, disabled, shut-ins, and elderly in your community for priority attention. Create a list and print out a copy in case electricity is out.

Have a plan to proactively check on the most vulnerable. Help them make storm preparations before the storm and check on them immediately after the storm.

Be prepared to respond independently for at least 72 hours post-storm. Electricity may be out and cell towers may be damaged. Getting needed supplies may be a problem if stores are closed or if transportation is disrupted. Assume you will get no help in the first 72 hours and plan accordingly.

Identify flood-prone communities and prioritize accordingly

Know where the most vulnerable are in your community. Study the maps of flood zones and anticipate where the communities are that will need help. Build a relationship in blue sky days.