Individual Responder Opportunities
In a large-scale disaster, individual self-reliance and the response of trained community volunteers will be critical. Below are ways you can get involved and get trained so you can better help your community when disaster strikes.
American Red Cross—The American Red Cross provides relief to those affected by disasters and empowers individuals in our community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Disaster volunteers provide food, shelter, health, mental health and recovery services to those who just lost their home due to a fire or other disaster. Opportunities for disaster responder positions are available locally and nationally. Disaster volunteers receive free disaster trainings such as disaster assessment, mass care/shelter operations, logistics, client casework, etc.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)—Public safety agencies will not have the resources to be everywhere at once and some residential areas may be isolated. The CERT training program provides you with the skills to take care of yourself, your loved ones, and help your neighbors following a disaster. CERT is a series of classes that covers general emergency preparedness, disaster first aid, hazardous materials, light search and rescue, fire prevention and suppression, working as a team, basic Incident Command System, and includes a disaster simulation. Download the Marin County CERT Student Manual.
- Corte Madera and Central Marin CERT
- Mill Valley CERT
- San Rafael CERT
- Novato Homeowners Emergency Action Response Team (HEART)
- Southern Marin CERT
- West Marin CERT
Marin Medical Reserve Corps (MMRC)—The Marin County Medical Reserve Corps develops partnerships within the Marin County medical profession (active and retired) that aid in the education, training and deployment of citizen volunteers and resources in the event of a large scale, local emergency. Trainings for volunteer responders include ICS, Psychological First Aid, START Triage, POD training, Shelter intensive, Field First Aid, Disaster Management.
The Salvation Army—The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The Army provides disaster relief services, and disaster volunteers provide material, physical, and spiritual and emotional support such as feeding, cleanup, in-kind donations management, and recovery services.
