The Importance of Volunteers in Emergency Management

National Preparedness Month 2009 focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness to help Ohioans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Each week during National Preparedness Month, Ohio Department of Public Safety sent a press release or provided information on different areas of preparedness most likely to impact Ohioans. This release wraps up 2009 by rounding out the preparedness planning and encouraging Ohioans to go one step further and Get Involved.

Volunteer opportunities help to train people to be better prepared for and respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, volunteer members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. Getting involved is an opportunity to take responsibility for the safety of your family, home and community.

• Learn to save lives by signing up for CPR and first aid courses.
• Volunteer. Don’t wait until a disaster strikes.
• Learn how to help now. Contact your local Red Cross, Citizen Corps, EMA or EMS agencies for more information.

For more information about preparing for or responding to an emergency, including how to get involved, log on www.Ready.Ohio.gov or www.serveohio.org so you can be sure your family and loved ones are Ready.