Emergency Response
There are dozens of organizations in our community that provide support and services during a disaster. The best way to volunteer with one of these organizations during a disaster is to become affiliated with them before a disaster. They will give you the training and skills so that you are ready to respond in the event of an emergency. As a part of our emergency response planning and operations, Ramsey County partners with many of the organizations listed below.
Community Emergency Response Teams
Ramsey County has several Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) teams managed by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office or local municipalities. CERT members are trained in general disaster response, such as basic first aid, light firefighting and search and rescue and disaster psychology. Their first responsibility is to their own home and neighborhood, and they can help get things started while police or fire are still on the way. They can also be asked by cities and counties to help respond to large events in a variety of roles to help a community manage an event or disaster.
Medical Reserve Corps
The Medical Reserve Corps of Ramsey County (RCMRC) is a countywide resource of health professionals and other volunteers who strengthen our community by preparing for and responding to public health and related emergencies.
National Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is a Division of the National Sheriff’s Association. The program works to prevent crime at a neighborhood level by enlisting residents to serve as extra eyes and ears for Law Enforcement. There are many Neighborhood Watch programs under the County Sheriff or your city’s police department that you can join, or start your own!
Volunteers in Police Service
Several local law enforcement departments have volunteer programs that help support their work and provide important assistance in keeping their communities safe. Contact your local police office or the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office to find out about volunteer opportunities.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) are critical partners in emergency and disaster response. They include voluntary organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army among many others. Some VOADs specialize in certain disaster activities, like debris clean up or assisting animals in disaster. We like to say that if you have an area of disaster preparedness, response or recovery you are interested in volunteering in, MN VOAD has an "org" for that!