Get Involved

The emergency management community has several different options on how you can get involved in your local community. Below is a summary of the types of programs that may be available. Visit www.ReadyHamptonRoads.org to find what’s available in your community.

Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Medical Reserve Corps

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program coordinates the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses and other health professionals as well as other citizens interested in health issues, who are eager to volunteer to address their community's ongoing public health needs and to help their community during large-scale emergency situations

Fire Corps

Community members can make a difference for their local fire and EMS department. Fire Corps helps departments build more capacity by connecting them to community volunteers who can assist in a variety of non-emergency roles

Volunteers in Police Service

The VIPS Program provides support and resources for agencies interested in developing or enhancing a volunteer program and for citizens who wish to volunteer their time and skills with a law enforcement agency. The program's ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers.

USAonWatch

USAonWatch is the face of the National Neighborhood Watch Program which empowers citizens to become active in homeland security efforts through community participation by providing information, training, technical support and resources to local law enforcement agencies and citizens.