Disaster Volunteer Readiness Guide

Disaster Volunteer Roles

Review disaster response roles by skill level, service format, physical requirements, training needs, and safety expectations. These roles may support field cleanup, supply distribution, survivor support, documentation, remote phone assistance, or disaster center operations.

Before You Serve

How to Choose the Right Assignment

Disaster response roles vary by location, physical demand, training, schedule, and survivor interaction. Review the role details first, then click a section below to compare assignments.

01 Check the physical requirements. Review lifting, standing, walking, outdoor work, stairs, heat, and PPE expectations.
02 Compare the service format. Roles may be field-based, center-based, remote, phone-based, seated, or administrative.
03 Confirm training and accessibility needs. Ask about shift length, mobility access, support tools, breaks, and required briefings before serving.

Role Directory

Click a section to review roles

Use these links to jump to the role group that best matches the type of service you want to review.

Click to view Field Cleanup & Recovery Muck and gut, tarping, chainsaw, POD, canvassing, feeding, and warehouse roles. Click to view Survivor Support Resource navigation and customer service roles that support disaster survivors. Click to view Documentation & Remote Support Documentation, data, reporting, and Crisis Cleanup phone support. Click to view Disaster Center Operations Greeter, logistics, registration, resource, and center support roles. Click to view Role Fit & Accessibility Remote, seated, lower-physical-demand, and support-based role guidance.

Field Cleanup & Recovery Roles

Hands-on assignments supporting cleanup, roof protection, debris removal, supply distribution, neighborhood outreach, feeding, and warehouse operations.

Cleanup Team

Muck and Gut Team Volunteer

Help families clean up water-damaged homes by removing damaged belongings, furniture, wet carpet, and damaged sheetrock.

Assignment

Join a team to help families clean up after water damage. This prepares the home for drying, repairs, and rebuilding. Volunteers should be physically strong, work well with others, stay safe, and show compassion toward survivors.

Training

Safety Briefing
How to Muck and Gut

Required Skills & Abilities

Lift, carry, and move heavy items around 30-50 pounds
Work with a team and follow the team leader’s instructions
Stay focused in tough and emotional situations
Follow safety rules and wear PPE to protect yourself and others
Be kind, caring, patient, and understanding with disaster survivors
Think fast and solve problems
Age 18+, or ages 16-17 with a guardian

PPE You Will Provide

Required: closed-toed shoes, long pants, work gloves
Highly recommended: boots with steel toes and ankle support, long-sleeved shirt, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, face masks, goggles
Tools are not required, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own if available

Roof Protection

Tarping Team Volunteer

Install temporary tarps on one-story roofs with limited pitch to help protect homes from additional water damage.

Assignment

As a tarping team volunteer, you help put temporary tarps on one-story roofs to protect homes from water damage after natural disasters. This role is physically demanding and requires teamwork, ladder safety, and comfort working around roofs.

Training

Safety Briefing
How to Tarp a Roof
Ladder Safety

Required Skills & Abilities

Lift, carry, and move heavy items around 30-50 pounds
Work with a team and follow the team leader’s instructions
Be committed to safety rules and PPE use
Be willing to work on a roof and use ladders safely
Bring tools if available, though tools are not required
Be kind, caring, patient, and understanding with survivors
Age 18+, or ages 16-17 with a guardian for ground operations only

PPE You Will Provide

Required: closed-toed, non-slip, rubber-soled shoes, long pants, work gloves
Highly recommended: boots with steel toes and ankle support, long-sleeved shirt, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellant

Chainsaw Team

Chainsaw Team Volunteer Sawyer

Operate a chainsaw to cut and clear fallen trees and debris under team leader supervision.

Assignment

A volunteer chainsaw operator cuts and clears fallen trees and debris while supervised by a safety-focused team leader. The team leader checks skills and approves chainsaw use before operation.

Training

Safety Briefing
Advanced chainsaw training as required

Required Skills & Abilities

Prior chainsaw experience and safe operation ability
Approval from the team leader before operating a chainsaw
Ability to work in dangerous areas with fallen trees, debris, and unstable conditions
Lift, carry, and move heavy items around 30-50 pounds
Work well with a team and follow the team leader’s instructions
Follow safety rules and wear PPE
Adults only, age 18+

PPE You Will Provide

Sawyers should bring their own chainsaws and PPE
Required: closed-toed, non-slip, rubber-soled shoes with steel toes and ankle support, long pants, chainsaw gloves, chainsaw helmet and visor, ear protection, safety glasses, chainsaw chaps or trousers, high visibility clothing
Highly recommended: respiratory protection

Chainsaw Support

Chainsaw Team Volunteer - Swamper

Support chainsaw operators by clearing debris, moving logs and branches, and helping keep the work area safe.

Assignment

A chainsaw swamper helps chainsaw operators by clearing debris, moving logs, keeping the area safe, and moving cuttings from the home to the curb or dumpster.

Training

Safety Briefing

Required Skills & Abilities

Lift, carry, and move heavy items around 30-50 pounds
Work safely in dangerous areas with fallen trees, debris, and unstable conditions
Follow the team leader’s instructions and support team goals
Be kind, caring, patient, and understanding with survivors
Follow safety rules and wear PPE
Adults only, age 18+

PPE You Will Provide

Required: closed-toed, non-slip, rubber-soled shoes with steel toes and ankle support, long pants, chainsaw gloves, chainsaw helmet and visor, ear protection, safety glasses, chainsaw chaps or trousers, high visibility clothing
Highly recommended: respiratory protection
Swampers are encouraged to bring their own PPE if available

Supply Distribution

Point of Distribution Volunteer

Help distribute emergency supplies such as food and water while supporting line flow, setup, and public instructions.

Assignment

A Point of Distribution volunteer helps give out supplies like food and water during emergencies. Volunteers may keep lines organized, distribute supplies, track what is left, and answer questions from the public.

Training

Safety Briefing
Process Briefing

Required Skills & Abilities

Give clear instructions and answer questions
Organize movement of people and supplies smoothly
Lift boxes of food, water, or ice around 30-50 pounds
Stand for long periods
Work as part of a team and follow the team leader’s instructions
Follow safety rules and wear PPE
Age 18+, or ages 16-17 with a guardian for ground operations only

PPE You Will Provide

Required: closed-toed shoes, long pants, work gloves
Highly recommended: boots with steel toes and ankle support, long-sleeved shirt, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, high visibility clothing

Neighborhood Outreach

Post-Disaster Canvassing Volunteer

Check on residents, identify needs, share recovery information, and connect survivors to volunteer groups and support resources.

Assignment

Post-disaster canvassing volunteers go through neighborhoods to check on residents, identify needs, share recovery information, and connect survivors with volunteer groups and resources.

Training

Safety Briefing
Process Briefing

Required Skills & Abilities

Communicate clearly with team members and survivors
Walk for long periods through tough areas and handle changing weather
Lift and move items around 30-50 pounds when needed
Know about disaster relief programs, government help, and community services, or be willing to learn
Pay close attention to detail and write information accurately
Language fluency in non-English languages is highly desired
Background check required by the volunteer organization
Age 18+, or ages 16-17 with a guardian

PPE / Gear You Will Provide

Required: cell phone
Highly recommended: comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, mosquito spray, personal water bottle

Food Support

Post-Disaster Feeding Volunteer

Prepare and distribute food and drinks for survivors, volunteers, and first responders while supporting safe serving operations.

Assignment

Post-disaster feeding volunteers prepare and hand out food and drinks to survivors, volunteers, and first responders. Volunteers help keep food areas clean, organized, and safe.

Training

Safety Briefing
Process Briefing

Required Skills & Abilities

Communicate with survivors, volunteers, staff, and partners
Stand, serve, and handle food or supplies for long periods
Work in a fast-paced and changing environment
Handle food safely and follow hygiene practices
Work well with a team and follow instructions
Age 18+, or ages 14-17 with a guardian

Recommended Gear

Comfortable shoes and cap or hairnet
Weather-appropriate clothing
Hat, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and personal water bottle

Warehouse Support

Post-Disaster Warehouse Volunteer

Sort donations, assemble supply kits, track inventory, and support safe warehouse operations during recovery.

Assignment

Warehouse volunteers organize and handle relief supplies. Tasks may include sorting donations, assembling kits, keeping inventory records updated, and loading and unloading supplies.

Training

Safety Briefing
Process Briefings

Required Skills & Abilities

Lift and move heavy items around 30-50 pounds
Stand for long periods
Organize and manage supplies in a busy environment
Work well with a team and follow instructions
Pay close attention to inventory and records
Follow safety rules and wear PPE
Age 18+, or ages 14-17 with a guardian

PPE / Gear You Will Provide

Required: closed-toed shoes and long pants
Highly recommended: steel or safety-toed shoes, hat, sunscreen, mosquito spray

Survivor Support Roles

People-centered assignments focused on answering questions, sharing resources, tracking needs, and connecting survivors to recovery support.

Resource Guidance

Disaster Resource Navigator

Help disaster survivors identify and access shelter, food, financial aid, basic needs support, and other recovery services.

Assignment

Resource Navigators help survivors find services, apply for assistance, connect with the right people, and identify gaps in available resources. Volunteers may also share feedback about missing needs with disaster response coordinators.

Training

Safety Briefing
Process Briefings

Required Skills & Abilities

Communicate clearly in simple, caring language
Respond quickly to survivor needs and connect people to the right resources
Show compassion, patience, respect, and understanding
Know about disaster relief programs, government help, and community services, or be willing to learn
Handle sensitive information responsibly and confidentially
Pay close attention to detail and keep documents complete and error-free
Language fluency in non-English languages is highly desired
Background check required by the volunteer organization
Adults only, age 18+

Best Fit For

Volunteers who are patient, resourceful, organized, and comfortable helping people navigate next steps

Customer Support

Disaster Customer Service Volunteer

Serve as a direct contact for disaster-affected individuals by answering questions, sharing information, and tracking needs.

Assignment

Disaster Customer Service Volunteers help people affected by disasters by answering questions, sharing resource information, keeping records, offering emotional support, and using communication tools such as phone, email, or chat.

Training

Safety Briefing
Process Briefing

Required Skills & Abilities

Great speaking and writing skills
Explain difficult information clearly and calmly
Quickly understand a survivor’s situation and connect them to the right resource
Think fast and solve problems
Keep accurate records and track case details
Use computers, databases, and customer service tools
Handle sensitive information responsibly and confidentially
Language fluency in non-English languages is highly desired
Background check required by the volunteer organization
Adults only, age 18+

Best Fit For

Volunteers who can stay calm, professional, compassionate, and organized while supporting people in stressful situations

Documentation & Remote Support Roles

Administrative, digital, and phone-based assignments supporting records, reporting, data entry, hotline intake, and response coordination.

Records & Reporting

Documentation Coordinator Volunteer

Organize records, maintain accurate data, support reporting, and help keep disaster response documents accessible.

Assignment

Documentation coordinators keep track of disaster response activities by organizing records of resources and volunteers, creating reports, supporting post-disaster reviews, and helping keep records ready for recovery planning.

Training

Safety Briefing
Training on documentation and processes

Required Skills & Abilities

Keep lots of data and documents organized
Pay close attention to detail and accuracy
Communicate with disaster response teams, volunteers, and partners
Use digital tools such as spreadsheets, databases, document systems, cloud storage, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
Handle sensitive information responsibly and confidentially
Solve problems with document tracking, data entry, and information sharing
Adults only, age 18+

Helpful Background

Administrative, office, organization, or data management experience is helpful
Disaster management or emergency support experience is a bonus

Remote Hotline Support

Volunteer Phone Agent for Crisis Cleanup

Answer survivor calls, gather important details, enter information into the system, and explain how cleanup support works.

Assignment

Crisis Cleanup is a disaster help platform that connects people who need cleanup with volunteer groups. Phone agents answer calls, collect details, enter information accurately, and explain what happens next.

Training

Crisis Cleanup online training

Required Skills & Abilities

Great speaking and writing skills
Multi-task while handling calls and entering information accurately
Use digital tools and online applications
Understand a survivor’s situation and connect them to the right resources
Have access to a computer and reliable broadband internet
Commit to a regular schedule with flexibility during disaster response
Pay close attention to detail and make sure client information is accurate
Language fluency in non-English languages is highly desired
Remote work from home
Adults only, age 18+

Best Fit For

Volunteers who are calm, reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable helping survivors by phone

Disaster Center Operations

Center-based assignments supporting setup, logistics, greeters, registration, documentation, service guidance, and survivor flow.

Center Operations

Disaster Center Volunteer

Support disaster assistance centers by helping with setup, supplies, visitor guidance, cleaning, and welcoming support.

Assignment

Disaster Center Volunteers help people and families at assistance centers by making the space safe and welcoming. Tasks may include setting up, handing out supplies, guiding visitors, keeping areas clean, working with staff and volunteers, and helping people with special needs.

Training

Safety Briefing
Training on processes

Required Skills & Abilities

Be kind, caring, ready to listen, and patient with stressed survivors
Communicate and work with survivors from different backgrounds
Work well with a team and follow the team leader’s instructions
Lift, carry, and move heavy items around 30-50 pounds to assist with setup, supplies, cleaning, and moving
Language fluency in non-English languages is highly desired
Respond quickly and connect survivors to the right resources
Be welcoming and respectful of different backgrounds and cultures
Basic first aid knowledge or willingness to learn is helpful
Background check required by the volunteer organization
Adults only, age 18+

Best Fit For

Volunteers who are calm, welcoming, dependable, and comfortable serving in people-centered operations

Center Setup & Flow

Disaster Center Logistics Support

Support setup, supply movement, safety, crowd flow, and upkeep of disaster centers during operations.

Key Responsibilities

Assemble and arrange tables, chairs, cots, signage, and other equipment
Adjust layouts as directed to ensure efficient use of space
Move, stock, and restock supplies such as food, water, hygiene kits, and essential items
Monitor supply levels and notify supervisors when restocking is needed
Maintain safe walkways and clean common areas
Report hazards, damage, or safety concerns to supervisors
Assist with crowd flow and line management during busy periods
Provide basic directions to residents when needed
Support other logistical needs as assigned

Required Skills & Abilities

Lift, carry, and move supplies up to 40 pounds
Stand or walk for extended periods
Understand safe lifting, moving, and crowded work environments
Work as part of a team and take direction
Adapt to changing assignments in a fast-paced environment
Use cultural awareness and sensitivity when engaging with diverse populations

Work Environment & What to Expect

Work may involve physical labor, lifting, and moving supplies
May require working in crowded, noisy, or high-stress settings
Work may occur in facilities without climate control
PPE such as gloves, masks, and sanitizer will be provided
Shifts may be up to 12 hours, including nights, weekends, or holidays
Flexibility is required to adjust to changing needs
Personnel work under a designated lead and should follow the chain of command

First Contact

Disaster Center Greeter Support

Welcome survivors, ask structured screening questions, direct people to services, and help manage flow and expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Welcome survivors and ensure they feel acknowledged upon arrival
Use approved screening questions to ask two or three needs-based questions
Direct survivors to the correct service station based on their needs
Provide clear instructions, maps, or signage to guide survivors through the process
Manage waiting areas and explain estimated wait times
Support smooth crowd flow and escalate concerns to supervisors when needed
Escalate urgent cases according to protocol
Refer survivors to Registration and Documentation Support for formal registration or case documentation

Required Skills & Abilities

Strong verbal communication and active listening skills
Ability to engage with distressed individuals in a calm and supportive manner
Willingness to follow scripts and established protocols
Basic problem-solving skills to redirect or escalate as needed
Cultural awareness and sensitivity when engaging with diverse populations
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Work Environment & What to Expect

Role may be in person or virtual, depending on assignment
In-person work may include indoor and outdoor environments
Standing or walking for extended periods may be required
May require working in crowded, noisy, or high-stress settings
PPE such as masks, gloves, and sanitizer will be provided as needed
Shifts may be up to 12 hours and may include nights, weekends, or holidays
Training includes script practice, station overview, and escalation protocol

Intake & Records

Disaster Center Registration and Documentation Support

Help survivors complete forms, enter data, collect operational logs, and prepare daily summaries for leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Assist survivors in completing service registrations using approved systems such as iSTAT, Connective, or Crisis Cleanup
Ensure accuracy and completeness of survivor information
Escalate complex cases or urgent needs according to protocol
Collect and review daily operational logs, including supplies distributed, service counts, and volunteer hours
Ensure documentation and reporting are accurate and organized
Submit daily summaries of key data to the site lead
Support incident reporting by organizing files and ensuring accessibility for staff and leadership
Assist in compiling documentation for audits, evaluations, and future planning
Work closely with site staff, volunteers, and coordinators to ensure documentation requirements are met
Provide technical assistance to volunteers or staff completing intake forms or logs

Required Skills & Abilities

Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry
Communicate clearly and compassionately with survivors and team members
Familiarity with capturing and recording basic information on paper or digitally
Cultural awareness and sensitivity when engaging with diverse populations
Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information
Organize large volumes of data and prepare concise daily reports
Adapt to changing needs and priorities in a disaster environment

Work Environment & What to Expect

Role may include both in-person and virtual assignments
Involves extended periods of sitting, computer use, and documentation work
May involve light lifting of documents or supplies up to 20 pounds
May occur in shared or fast-paced environments with frequent interruptions
May require working in crowded, noisy, or high-stress settings
PPE such as masks, gloves, and sanitizer will be provided as needed
Shifts may be up to 12 hours, including nights, weekends, or holidays
Training includes system use, confidentiality protocols, and reporting procedures

Guidance & Follow-Up

Disaster Center Customer Service and Resource Support

Explain services, answer questions, share next-step resources, support referrals, and document follow-up communication.

Key Responsibilities

Explain available services such as shelters, feeding sites, and community support locations
Answer basic program and process-related questions
Provide printed guides, maps, or what-happens-next resources
Set expectations for next steps clearly and compassionately
Conduct scripted follow-up calls
Document call outcomes and escalate urgent issues or service gaps
Use program talking points, call scripts, and escalation steps to keep communication consistent
Maintain confidentiality when handling survivor information

Required Skills & Abilities

Strong verbal communication and active listening skills
Ability to explain services and processes in clear, simple language
Basic customer service skills including patience, empathy, and professionalism
Willingness to follow scripts, talking points, and referral protocols consistently
Ability to document interactions accurately and escalate when appropriate
Cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with diverse populations
Comfort working in both in-person and virtual or call center environments

Work Environment & What to Expect

Role may be in person or virtual, depending on assignment
Primarily sedentary, but may involve walking around service sites
May require working in temporary or non-traditional environments
May require working in crowded, noisy, or high-stress settings
PPE such as masks, gloves, and sanitizer will be provided as needed
Shifts may be up to 12 hours, including nights, weekends, or holidays
Training includes program talking points, call scripts, guides, and referral or escalation protocols

Role Fit & Accessibility

Review roles by service format, physical demand, remote or seated options, and accessibility considerations. These roles are still included in their regular sections above; this section is only a quick guide for comparing role fit.

Remote or Seated

Remote or Seated Options

Phone-based, computer-based, seated, and lower-movement assignments to review when comparing role fit.

Roles to Review

Volunteer Phone Agent for Crisis Cleanup
Documentation Coordinator Volunteer
Disaster Center Registration and Documentation Support
Disaster Center Customer Service and Resource Support
Disaster Customer Service Volunteer

What to Ask

Can this role be completed remotely or seated?
How long is the shift, and are breaks available?
What technology is required?
Is training available in a format that works for the volunteer?

Important Note

Remote or seated options depend on the assignment, activation needs, technology access, supervisor approval, and the setup of the response site.

Lower Physical Demand

Lower-Physical-Demand Options

Assignments that may involve less lifting, less field labor, or more guided support than cleanup and logistics roles.

Roles to Review

Disaster Resource Navigator
Disaster Customer Service Volunteer
Documentation Coordinator Volunteer
Volunteer Phone Agent for Crisis Cleanup
Disaster Center Greeter Support
Disaster Center Customer Service and Resource Support
Disaster Center Registration and Documentation Support

What to Ask

Does the role require lifting, bending, walking, standing, or stairs?
Can the role be modified with seating, shorter shifts, or breaks?
Is the site accessible for mobility devices?
Will the environment be loud, crowded, outdoors, or stressful?

Important Note

Lower-physical-demand does not mean no physical demand. Volunteers should confirm the actual site conditions before serving.

Higher Physical Demand

Higher-Physical-Demand Roles

Assignments that may involve lifting, standing, walking, outdoor conditions, field cleanup, supply movement, or extended physical activity.

Roles to Review Carefully

Muck and Gut Team Volunteer
Tarping Team Volunteer
Chainsaw Team Volunteer Sawyer
Chainsaw Team Volunteer - Swamper
Point of Distribution Volunteer
Post-Disaster Canvassing Volunteer
Post-Disaster Feeding Volunteer
Post-Disaster Warehouse Volunteer
Disaster Center Volunteer
Disaster Center Logistics Support

What to Ask

How much lifting is expected?
Will the assignment be outdoors or in heat?
Will the volunteer need to stand or walk for long periods?
What PPE is required?

Important Note

Volunteers should never accept a role that feels unsafe or outside their ability. A different assignment may be a better fit.

Before Arrival

Questions Before Serving

Use these questions to support safer placement, clearer expectations, and better role matching.

Questions Volunteers Can Ask

Can this role be done remotely or seated?
How long is the shift, and are breaks available?
Does the role require lifting, bending, walking, standing, or stairs?
Is the site accessible for mobility devices?
Will the environment be loud, crowded, outdoors, or emotionally stressful?
Are written instructions, scripts, large-print materials, or other supports available?
Who should the volunteer contact about accessibility needs before arriving?

Important Note

Role fit depends on the specific assignment, site conditions, safety requirements, and available accommodations. Volunteers should communicate access needs early so the organization can help identify the safest and most meaningful assignment available.

Important: Role assignments, schedules, and operational needs may change during disaster activations. Final placement should always be based on volunteer readiness, safety requirements, accessibility needs, site leadership direction, organizational screening practices, and the needs of the response environment.