Volunteer

Volunteer • Disaster Response Services

Your time can change how a community survives a disaster.

Volunteers are at the heart of Disaster Response Services (DRS). Whether you’re helping teach
First Aid & CPR, supporting CERT classes, assisting with the mobile classroom, or lending
professional skills behind the scenes, there is a place for you here.

You do not need to be a firefighter or paramedic to help.
We need instructors, logistics helpers, communications support, media and tech volunteers,
and people who simply care about their neighbors.

Ways to volunteer with DRS

Training & Classroom Support

Help with setup, check-in, materials, and small-group support during classes like
First Aid/CPR/AED, Stop the Bleed, CERT, youth preparedness, and more.

Assist with handouts and equipment
Help students during skills practice
Support youth and family-focused classes

CERT & Community Preparedness

Support Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs, neighborhood outreach, and preparedness
events in Humboldt County and beyond.

Help with class logistics and exercises
Assist with outreach to neighborhoods and partners
Support drills, activations, and community events

Mobile Classroom & Trailer Operations

Assist with the setup and operation of the mobile classroom / command trailer during
trainings, events, and deployments.

Support interior/exterior setup
Help manage equipment and supplies
Assist with accessibility and comfort for participants

Media, Podcast, & Creative Projects

Help with the Command Post podcast and projects like
Paws for Life, Pulse for Life, and other educational media.

Audio/video support and editing
Social media and outreach content
Script, story, or graphic assistance

Technology & A.I.D. Support

Support the Applied Intelligence Division (A.I.D.) with tools like CERT Companion AI,
LMS building, and data/tech projects.

Basic app or website testing
Data entry and documentation
Helping refine training tools and content

Administrative & Grant Support

Behind-the-scenes work that keeps DRS moving forward, especially around grants, outreach,
and coordination with partners.

Help with writing, editing, and documentation
Assist with grant research and basic tracking
Support communications with agencies and partners

What DRS looks for in volunteers

You do not have to know everything, be perfectly fit, or have decades of experience to be helpful.
We are looking for people who are steady, kind, and willing to learn.

Because DRS works closely with the public, partner agencies, and sometimes vulnerable
populations, we ask for:

Reliability and good communication
Respect for privacy and confidentiality
Willingness to follow safety guidelines
Team-focused, low-drama attitude
Comfort working with diverse communities

Some roles may require background checks, driving records, or additional screening,
especially those involving kids, vulnerable adults, or certain field operations.

How to get started as a DRS volunteer

The best way to begin is with a conversation. Tell us who you are, what you’re excited about,
and how much time you realistically have. We’ll help match you with a good starting place.

Contact DRS About Volunteering

Explore Training & Courses

If you’re part of a CERT team, fire department, school, or agency and want to explore a
group volunteer or training partnership, please include that
in your message.