Helping others

Volunteer

Volunteering before, during, and after an emergency is an essential act of compassion, unity, and resilience. The importance of volunteering lies in its power to uplift, restore, and heal communities, fostering resilience and reminding us of the strength we possess when we come together. It is through volunteering that we demonstrate the best of humanity, showing that kindness, empathy, and solidarity can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Consider getting involved in the following opportunities or contact local organizations to find out how you can help. 

• UlsterCorps
• Ulster County Emergency Services Volunteer
• Ready.gov

​​You can also consider reaching out to the following organizations that may be present in your municipality:

• Faith-Based Organizations: Local churches, mosques, synagogues, or other religious institutions often mobilize volunteers in times of crisis. Reach out to them to inquire about disaster relief initiatives and how you can assist.
• Community-Based Organizations: Research and contact community-based organizations in your area that are actively involved in disaster response and recovery efforts. They may have specific volunteer needs and projects tailored to the local community.
• Social Media and Online Platforms: Utilize social media platforms and online volunteer databases to find local volunteer opportunities after a natural disaster. Websites like VolunteerMatch or Serve.gov can connect you with disaster-related volunteer opportunities in your area.

Remember to inquire about any necessary training or certifications required before volunteering in disaster-affected areas. It's also important to be patient and flexible, as volunteer needs may vary depending on the stage of the disaster response and recovery process.

Citizen Preparedness Training 

The Citizen Preparedness Corps gives residents the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster or emergency, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Learn more here. For general resources related to weather emergencies, visit the NYS Department of Health's webpage.

For additional information on trainings such as the Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training, FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS), and the  NYS OEM Training, visit the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services webpage.