|
When an emergency occurs, Montgomery County will turn to its citizens to assist with response and recovery efforts. A trained and prepared citizen volunteer force is crucial to minimizing the effects of disaster and providing quick relief for those in need.
Montgomery County has a variety of volunteer opportunities for people with a wide range of skills. Whether you are a medical professional who wants to aid first responders or a retiree with the desire to play a support role in an emergency, this website will introduce you to diverse groups that play a vital role in emergency response
.
Community Response Groups
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
CERTs are community safety advocates and front-line assistants during large emergencies. Participants will attend seven classes over a three-week period, meeting two nights a week with one all day Saturday or Sunday practical and test day.
Upon completing training, CERTs are able to identify and mitigate potential hazards in the home and workplace, help themselves and their neighbors until professional responders arrive, and participate in projects to enhance the public safety of their communities.
For more information on CERT, visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/firtmpl.asp?url=/content/firerescue/sion/cert/index.asp
Emergency Action Team (EAT)
EAT members provide valuable support in the community. Whether its staffing a hotline or helping to transport elderly community members to a shelter, EAT members bring a strong desire to serve their neighbors to the group. Quarterly trainings are conducted.
To fill out an application online, visit https://activ.montgomerycountymd.gov
American Red Cross (ARC)
The National Capital Area Chapter helps the people of our community prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies that may be local, state-level, national, or international in nature. The Red Cross seeks volunteers to help respond to community needs during a disaster.
For more information, visit www.redcrossnca.org
Medical Emergency Response
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
Medical professionals seeking opportunities to help their community by responding to emergencies can join the MRC. In a disaster, MRC members may work in a shelter or help supplement the County’s public health staff. Practicing or retired health professionals are encouraged to join. Quarterly trainings are conducted.
To fill out an application online, visit https://activ.montgomerycountymd.gov
Radio Response
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
RACES members are FCC licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer to supplement radio communications for the County during disasters. The Office of Emergency Management oversees the group. Members are appointed by the Homeland Security Department.
For more information, e-mail Anthony.Loconte@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
Radio Emergency Agency Communications Team (REACT)
REACT is an all volunteer, nonprofit organization which supports radio communications for the community, the American Red Cross, and other nonprofits.
For more information, e-mail mcreact@Technologist.com
Storm Spotters
SKYWARN
SKYWARN promotes a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service and communities. Volunteers serve as storm spotters – taking a position near their community and reporting wind gusts, hail size, rainfall, and cloud formations that could signal a developing tornado.
For more information, e-mail Anthony.Loconte@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
Search & Rescue
Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
Montgomery County has two CAP squadrons. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Squadron welcomes teenagers and adults in a full program of air/ground search and rescue, leadership training, flight training, and more. The all-pilot Montgomery Senior Squadron contributes its skills primarily as instructors and search pilots. CAP assists local government in air/ground search and rescue operations as well as emergency communications.
For information on the Bethesda-Chevy Chase squadron, visit http://www.b-cc.org
For information on the Montgomery Senior Squadron, e-mail rj.hawkins@comcast.net
Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. Inc. – Canine Search Unit
Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. helps locate people in wilderness settings, suburban areas, and collapsed structures using tracking dogs. Members train with dogs at least one full day a week. Medium sized, working breed dogs such as rottweilers, german shepherds, and retrievers are commonly used.
For more information, visit www.midatlanticdogs.org
Teen
Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Squadron welcomes teenagers and adults in a full program of air/ground search and rescue, leadership training, flight training, and more. CAP assists local government in air/ground search and rescue operations as well as emergency communications.
For information on the Bethesda-Chevy Chase squadron, visit http://www.b-cc.org
|
Seniors
CERT