In times of disaster, the strength of a community can make all the difference. When emergencies strike, communities that are united and prepared can respond more effectively and recover more quickly.

Local and national volunteer organizations play a critical role by providing trained volunteers and much-needed donated supplies. By getting involved and volunteering in your community, you can help make sure that your community is ready to face whatever challenges may come.

• Remember, cash is best. During a disaster, donating to a recognized disaster relief organization is often the most effective way to help. Financial contributions are the fastest, most flexible, and impactful method of supporting relief efforts.
• Volunteer to respond to disasters. Your involvement can make a significant difference. Look for opportunities to volunteer with local organizations or emergency response teams.
  • Volunteer opportunities in Idaho:
    • American Red Cross of Idaho and Eastern Oregon
    • Salvation Army
    • United Methodist Committee on Relief
  • Join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Gain disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Special emphasis has been placed on youth CERT initiatives such at the CERT curriculum at Meridian Medical Arts Charter High Schooland Teen CERT Ready Camp program with Southwest District Health.

Idahoans could help save countless lives by taking simple actions to prepare your community or organization for a disaster before one strikes. FEMA offers free trainings and education tools to train yourself and others on the best ways to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster or emergency.

• You Are the Help Until Help Arrives. FEMA offers online or in-person training that teaches you how to save a life before professional help arrives.
• Teach preparedness in schools or childcare facilities. Utilize resources from the Ready Kids program to educate students from grades K-12 about disaster preparedness.
• Expand your knowledge. Take a free online independent study course through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute or a CPR course through the American Red Cross to better prepare yourself and your community.
• Prepare your Community-Based Organization. Enroll in FEMA’s OPEN training to enhance your organization’s readiness for emergency needs.
• Promote preparedness online. Share preparedness tips on social media using Ready’s online toolkit or public service announcements.
• Be two weeks ready. Being prepared means having enough non-perishable food, water, and supplies to survive for several days.

By participating in community involvement and volunteering efforts, Idahoans can not only enhance their community’s resilience but also make sure that we are all better prepared to face and recover from any disaster that comes our way.

For additional information on community involvement, check out some of these resources:

• Ready.gov: Get Involved
• Ready.gov: Teen CERT
• FEMA: Voluntary and Community-Based Organizations