Volunteering in an emergency
Victorian communities have been devastated by fires and floods in the last few years and our hearts go out to the people affected by these natural disasters. Many people want to help out and lend a hand to these communities – and volunteering is often the first thing we think of.
How you can help
Emergency services volunteers play a vital role in helping in a crisis, but there are other ways to help. Volunteers can offer support in areas like food services, couriering and driving, community support, animal welfare, environmental services, administration and communication, clean up and fencing.
Usually, the best thing to do is get involved with a volunteering organisation early. That way if a disaster strikes you will already have an affiliation with a volunteering organisation that can support and coordinate its volunteers to help in an emergency.
This section looks at some of the important ways you can help during an emergency.
Register to volunteer in an emergency
Use our online form to register to help out during an emergency. Your details will be passed on to coordinating agencies, who may contact you to assist in the clean-up and recovery efforts.
Become an emergency services volunteer
Get involved early and gain the experience, training and essential skills to help out through your volunteer organisation in an emergency.
In an emergency, only trained volunteers who are already members of an organisation are called to hand. During and after an emergency, skilled volunteers may be sought to assist in relief centres.
Sometimes, the best way to help out is to make a donation or pledge to a registered charity.