Be Involved

People joining hands.
Many of the tips on the COPE page are designed to help you, your household and neighborhood. Here's what you can do to help your community recover from all kinds of emergencies.

Become a Volunteer


It is best to affiliate with a recognized disaster volunteer organization such as the American Red Cross.
Getting involved with a disaster volunteer organization before an emergency will increase your ability to help when help is needed.

After a disaster, before going directly to volunteer at a relief organization, hospital or a disaster site, wait for instructions from local officials, or check with specific organizations. Be patient. In the immediate disaster response period there are often many people waiting to volunteer. There may be a greater need for volunteers during the recovery period, weeks, and months after disaster strikes.

Other Volunteer Resources

COPE Documents