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.

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. 

Make a Plan

Disasters can happen anywhere, any time. That’s why it’s important you’re prepared. Do you have a plan for yourself, your pets, and your family? Consider the specific needs you might have in an emergency by visiting Ready.gov.

You may not be together when disaster strikes, so it’s important to know how you’ll reconnect if separated. Use this Ready.gov form to create a Family Emergency Communication Plan, which you can email as a PDF file once complete.

Useful Documents (Ready.gov):

Build a Kit

An emergency kit should have everything you need to survive for several days. Keeping your kit stocked with necessities like food, water, and medical care can make the difference in the face of a disaster. Visit Ready.gov to learn more.

Disaster Kit Checklist:
  • First aid kit
  • Local maps
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Cell phone with charger and backup battery
  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery operated radio
  • Essential medications
  • Extra blankets, sleeping bag
  • Personal sanitation equipment (Feminine supplies, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, etc.)
  • Can opener
  • Pet food, water, and supplies (*If applicable)
  • Infant formula and diapers (*If applicable)