Based on past emergencies, there are several important operational issues to take into account when planning for VRC operations. These issues include:

• Conduct volunteer orientation to ensure each volunteer understands expectations, policies, etc.
• Establish volunteer identification system that addresses the type(s) of identification to be issued, access restrictions based on identification issued, and timeframes for reissuance to ensure that all volunteers onsite have been registered.
• Coordinate with emergency management, public information, and other key response/recovery functions.
• Assign responsibility for maintenance of volunteer database(s).
• Establish documentation system for recording volunteer hours, especially if they are eligible for reimbursement from FEMA.