Below is a list of organizations where you will find opportunities to volunteer.

Local Contact Information:

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is administered by FEMA's Community Preparedness Division. CERT is a training program that prepares people to help themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a disaster in their community. Through CERT, citizens can learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. With this training, volunteers can provide critical support by giving immediate assistance to victims before emergency first responders arrive on scene. CERT volunteers also support the community year-round by participating in community preparedness outreach activities and distributing materials on disaster preparedness and education. http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/index.shtm

Local Contact Information:

The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program reports directly to the Surgeon General of the U.S. in the Department of Health and Human Services. MRC strives to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Volunteer MRC units accomplish this mission by supplementing existing emergency and public health resources during local emergencies and other times of community need.

Local Contact Information:

Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen advocates (volunteers) to support and augment the capacity of resource-constrained fire and emergency service departments at all levels: volunteer, combination, and career. Fire Corps is funded through the Department of Homeland Security and is managed and implemented through a partnership between the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and with direction from the National Advisory Committee, a group of 15 national organizations representing the fire and emergency services. These organizations provide the program with strategic direction and important feedback from the field. http://www.firecorps.org/.

Local Contact Information:

The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program reports directly to the Surgeon General of the U.S. in the Department of Health and Human Services. MRC strives to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical, and other volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Volunteer MRC units accomplish this mission by supplementing existing emergency and public health resources during local emergencies and other times of community need. http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov.

USAonWatch is the face of the National Neighborhood Watch Program. The program is managed nationally by the National Sheriffs' Association in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice. Time-tested practices such as "eyes-and-ears" training and target-hardening techniques continue to be at the core of the program. As groups continue to grow, the roles of citizens have become more multifaceted and tailored to local needs. USAonWatch empowers citizens to become active in homeland security efforts through community participation. USAonWatch provides information, training, technical support, and resources to local law enforcement agencies and citizens. http://www.usaonwatch.org/

The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program serves as a gateway to information for law enforcement agencies and citizens interested in law enforcement volunteer programs. The program's ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement agencies by incorporating the time and skills that volunteers can contribute to a community law enforcement agency. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) manages the VIPS Program in partnership with and on behalf of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. http://www.policevolunteers.org/.