Get Involved
Getting involved in emergency preparedness in Alameda County can make a real difference before and after a disaster. By volunteering, attending trainings, or joining local programs, you help strengthen community networks, share critical information, and build skills that help people respond quickly and safely. After an emergency, volunteers also play an important role in recovery and helping the community rebuild.
Volunteering
Search and Rescue (SAR)
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit is a team of highly-trained volunteers who respond to search missions for missing or injured individuals across the county and throughout Region II. SAR members provide specialized skills in search operations, navigation, and rescue, supporting law enforcement and emergency services during incidents and disasters.
Communications Team
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Communications Team is a volunteer group that provides emergency communications support during incidents and planned events. As part of the Office of Emergency Services, the team helps maintain reliable communication between responders, supports field operations, and assists with coordination when traditional systems are limited or unavailable.
Dive Team
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team is a volunteer unit that provides specialized underwater search and recovery services. Team members are trained in advanced diving operations, including low-visibility search techniques and evidence recovery, supporting public safety missions throughout Alameda County and the region.
Mounted Posse (Posse Team)
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse is a volunteer unit that supports public safety operations, community events, and emergency response efforts. Members provide assistance with patrol, search support, and outreach, enhancing visibility and connection between the Sheriff’s Office and the communities it serves.
Alameda County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The Alameda County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a volunteer group of medical and non-medical community members who support public health and emergency response efforts. Volunteers may assist with activities such as community outreach, health education, vaccination clinics, shelter support, and incident response. Serving with the Medical Reserve Corps helps strengthen public health preparedness and ensures your community has extra trained hands when emergencies strike.
ALCO VOAD
The Alameda County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ALCO VOAD) is a coalition of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations that support disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. VOAD members coordinate resources, share information, and align efforts to meet community needs while reducing duplication of services.
Through collaboration and partnerships, ALCO VOAD strengthens coordination across organizations, helping ensure that support, volunteers, and resources are delivered effectively before, during, and after emergencies.
Eden Information and Referral (Eden I&R)
Eden I&R is a nonprofit organization that connects individuals and families to critical health and human services throughout Alameda County. During emergencies, Eden I&R serves as a virtual coordination hub by providing real-time information, resource referrals, and access to services through 2-1-1. The organization also supports coordination of community needs and available assistance, helping connect volunteers, donations, and services to where they are needed most. Through this role, Eden I&R helps strengthen community response and recovery efforts across the county.
American Red Cross
The Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross provides disaster response, sheltering, and recovery services across Alameda County and nationwide. Volunteers support shelter operations, disaster relief, preparedness education, and community outreach.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army USA West offers a range of volunteer opportunities that support disaster response, feeding programs, and community assistance efforts. Volunteers may help with distribution of food and supplies, emergency shelter support, fundraising events, and community outreach that strengthens support networks before, during, and after emergencies. Getting involved with the Salvation Army helps ensure timely support for individuals and families in need.
Alameda County Community Food Bank
The Alameda County Community Food Bank offers volunteer opportunities that help ensure people and families have access to nutritious food during everyday challenges and emergencies. Volunteers support food sorting, distribution, packing, and community outreach efforts that strengthen food security across the county. Getting involved with the Food Bank helps build resilience and supports neighbors before, during, and after disasters.
Community Training
Alameda County offers a range of training opportunities that help individuals build skills to support themselves and others before, during, and after emergencies. These programs strengthen community readiness and provide practical, life-saving knowledge.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains community members to safely assist during emergencies. Participants learn skills such as disaster medical care, light search and rescue, fire safety, and team organization. CERT helps build local capacity so neighbors can support one another until professional responders arrive.
To find out more information about how you or your group can sign up for an upcoming CERT training, please email cert@alamedacountyfire.gov
Stop the Bleed
Stop the Bleed is a national training program that teaches individuals how to control severe bleeding during emergencies. Participants learn simple, effective techniques such as applying pressure, packing wounds, and using a tourniquet. These skills can help save lives before emergency responders arrive.
CPR & AED Training
CPR and AED Training provides individuals with the skills needed to respond to cardiac emergencies. Participants learn how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) safely and effectively. This training helps community members take immediate action during life-threatening situations while waiting for professional help.