Volunteers such as amateur radio operators, search and rescue teams, Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs), police and fire auxiliaries, and reserves are valued members of emergency management organizations in many jurisdictions.

Such resources are known quantities that train and exercise to play specific roles in an incident. These volunteers have long-standing formal relationships that are spelled out in written agreements and standard operating procedures. Individual members have credentials and identification issued by the volunteer organization itself and/or the emergency management organization with which it has the agreement.

Consider:

• Developing a CERT capability if your jurisdiction does not have one.
• Making sure agreements with volunteer organizations clearly spell out required training, experience, and equipment, as well as liability and employment relationship to the jurisdiction.
• Developing and implementing an effective management structure to receive spontaneous volunteers, catalog their skills, provide on-the-job training, deploy, and supervise activities.
• Developing public information and media releases that provide direction for those who wish to volunteer.