Volunteering and Community Support

When emergencies strike our region, members of our community are among the first to lend a hand. In a large-scale disaster or widespread public health situation, a trained team working in coordination with strategically mobilized resources can provide the assistance that may be the difference between life and death. By joining the St. Charles County emergency response volunteer effort, you will help to make a difference in our community.

Public Health Emergency Response Volunteer Application

Individual Opportunities

  • Medical Reserve Corps (PDF) (MRC) – The mission of the MRC is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers. Local MRC units are autonomous, and each unit is allowed flexibility in order to meet specific community needs, with the federal government providing advisory and technical assistance. Medically trained and non-medical professionals alike can put their knowledge and skills to use in helping the community. Previous experience is not required, as MRC leaders will train dedicated volunteers in roles such as: dispensing medication; logistics; financial accountability; public communication; transportation; pet sheltering and much more. Learn more about the organization and training available by attending one of the monthly meetings.
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - The CERT program educates individuals about emergency preparedness and trains them in basic disaster skills to assist area responses.  CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference.  Here are just a few of the teams in our region: St. Charles City CERT, St. Charles County CERT, St Charles County Teen CERT, Cottleville CERT, Dardenne Prairie CERT, Lake Saint Louis CERT, Portage des Sioux CERT, St Peters CERT, O’Fallon CERT, Weldon Spring CERT, Wentzville CERT, and Wentzville Teen CERT.

Community Support Opportunities

  • Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) – The overall goal of the St. Charles County COAD is to coordinate the mobilization and utilization of resources in the event of an emergency within St. Charles County.  Non-profits, volunteer groups, faith-based organizations, public service agencies and private businesses are invited to join the committee.  By working in coordination and following a mutually agreed upon plan of action, the COAD seeks to meet unmet needs and to minimize duplication of services, which will help St. Charles County residents and businesses to recover more quickly from a disaster.

Training

Keeping informed and educated is the best way to prepare for upcoming events.  Emergency preparedness and response volunteers receive ongoing instruction on ways that they can assist efforts.  This training is offered in many ways – through hands-on exercises and drills, online courses, classroom lectures and additional readings.

St. Charles County Emergency Response Trainings
FEMA - National Incident Management System courses
Gateway Volunteer Network Facebook page