When well planned for, spontaneous volunteers have:

• Proven to be a cost-effective resource during response and short-term recovery operations.
• Offered a wide range of expertise and experience.
• Provided services that allow paid staff and first responders to focus their efforts on tasks that need their attention.
• Provided resources that may otherwise be unavailable during an emergency.

To ensure that spontaneous volunteers are used to the best possible purpose, they must be managed effectively.

Planning should always include the Volunteer Program Coordinator and all organizations participating in volunteer management.