Even though you may be prepared, your safety and the safety of your family is more secure when the entire community works together. You can become involved by contacting Citizen Corps, which can connect you to disaster volunteer groups that prepare communities to respond to any emergency situation, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. You can participate in the Citizen Corps community by volunteering for local law-enforcement activities through the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program also offers education and training to neighborhood watch groups, community organizations, faith communities, school staff, workplace employees, scouting organizations, and other groups for disaster preparedness and responses such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. You may then work to assist other neighborhoods or workplaces after an event when professional responders may not be immediately available.

For questions about the CERT program or Citizen Corps, you may visit the website of the National Office of Citizen Corps.