Utah's emergency personnel are among the best in the country, but there is still a need for individuals and families to embrace the personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of their loved ones.

Everyone can do something to support local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, community public health efforts, and the four stages of emergency management: prevention, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.

People who want to make a difference in their community should consider becoming a volunteer with one of the following five Citizen Corps Pillar Programs. These volunteer programs provide opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures that will make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds.

		The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community.”
		“The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps is to establish teams of local volunteer medical and public health professionals who can contribute their skills and expertise throughout the year as well as during times of community need.” For registered MRC programs in your area click here.
		An expanded Neighborhood Watch Program incorporates terrorism awareness education into its existing crime prevention mission while also serving as a way to bring residents together to focus on emergency preparedness and emergency response training. For information on the Neighborhood Watch Toolkit and Toolkit training, go to www.usaonwatch.org/Resources/ToolkitTraining.php
		“Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) works to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers. VIPS draws on the time and considerable talents of civilian volunteers and allows law enforcement professionals to better perform their frontline duties.” For registered VIPS programs in your area click here.
		"Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen advocates to enhance the capacity of resource-constrained fire and rescue departments at all levels: volunteer, combination, and career. Citizen advocates can assist local fire departments in a range of activities including fire safety outreach, youth programs, and administrative support. Fire Corps provides resources to assist fire and rescue departments in creating opportunities for citizen advocates and promotes citizen participation." For registered Fire Corps programs in your area click here.

Start or Support a Local Citizen Corps Council

“Starting a Citizen Corps Council in your area will help create the groundwork for the long-term security of our neighborhoods, our communities, and our nation.”

Local Citizen Corps Councils will:

• Create an action plan
• Conduct a community needs assessment
• Identify ways volunteers can help meet needs of first responders
• Work with neighborhood leadership to design an approach to encourage Citizen Corps participation
• Spearhead efforts to address crime, terrorism, public health issues, and natural disaster risks
• Recognize all activities that promote prevention, preparedness, and response training as part of Citizen Corps
• Organize special events to promote Citizen Corps activities and recruit volunteers to participate
• Coordinate all work with local county and regional councils
• Partner with local emergency program managers and existing volunteer programs

For a list of registered Citizen Corps Councils, click here.

Volunteer in Your Community

Contact your local Volunteer Center to be informed of upcoming volunteer opportunities in your community and the BEST way for you to serve.

Statewide connection to local Volunteer Centers provided by the Utah Commission on Volunteers.