Volunteers are the Backbone of Emergency Management
Check out the recent article featuring the dedication and recognition of our volunteers. Volunteers are the Backbone of Emergency Management
HCEM Volunteer Programs:
Our volunteer programs are designed to help further Hamilton County Emergency Management’s mission to provide support to plan, prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover from natural, human-caused, and accidental hazards. Opportunities would include assisting Emergency Management staff at community outreach events to assisting the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during a disaster.
Individuals wanting to take part in an HCEM Volunteer program must do the following.
1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Have or obtain a Public Safety Identification # and a FEMA Student Identification #
3. Successfully complete a background check
4. Complete program training requirements and submit proof completed (see the volunteer program page for training requirements)
5. Submit the online application.
HCEM Background Check Policy:
All volunteers shall undergo a background check upon initial application and every two years after the volunteer’s start date. The purpose of the background check is to provide the citizens of Hamilton County with well-qualified volunteers who can serve in a public safety capacity as an “Emergency Management Worker” under Indiana Code 10-14-3-3. Individuals with a negative record may not be considered for volunteer positions.
For more information about a program or to access the online application and background check form, visit the program site via the hyperlinks below.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a program that educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is an organization of amateur radio operators who volunteer for Emergency Management for the purpose of providing tactical emergency support radio communications to federal, state, and local governments in time of emergency, and to supplement, augment or replace radio communications wherever and whenever needed. We would encourage anyone who is expressly interested in storm spotting to visit Hamilton County Emergency Management RACES website.
Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Volunteers is a perfect opportunity for those interested in helping in a command center environment. This group consists of personnel who have degrees in emergency management, military, or current/former public safety personnel, IT professionals, or those who are seeking to gain real-world experience while giving back to the community. Personnel train to know how to operate technology in the center as well as fill staff key positions.
Emergency Management Reservist Program allows qualified individuals to be rostered as a volunteer to help during an emergency or disaster without a big commitment. Qualifications include, but are not limited to previous disaster/emergency response experience, public safety or military service, previous completion of disaster-based training, public safety, or other related or past certifications. Reservists are required to attend a four-hour course to learn more about HCEM and how we operate during a disaster and attend biannual meetings.
