Disaster Response Program

VCRI recruits/refers volunteers who are interested in the disaster mitigation process.  We highly recommend that individuals interested in disaster response be trained prior to a disaster.  Training is provided through the RI Red Cross, the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island and other providers, depending on your interests/skills.  We will be sure to post disaster response related volunteer opportunities on our website as we become aware of them. 

Immediately after a disaster, if VCRI is activated, we will operate a Disaster Volunteer Reception Center at a location convenient to responders.  This Volunteer Reception Center will be the central location for all prospective volunteers who wish to respond, if they have not already been assigned to another organization.  Nonprofit and governmental organizations that need volunteers during times of disaster will call their needs into the Volunteer Reception Center and we will then deploy volunteers who fit their needs at that time. 

VCRI is a leading member of Rhode Island Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (RIVOAD). RIVOAD is the local coordinating branch for voluntary organizations that play a role in recovering from and preparing for disasters locally.

To learn how to prepare your family, friends, or co-workers for a disaster event, please look through the following documents about disaster preparedness.  From "Family Disaster Plan." developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.”

Preparing a Disaster Kit

Important Items for Your Disaster Kit

Preparing Your Family Disaster Plan - 14 page, full color pdf     

If your organization would like information about joining VOAD, please contact rivoad@vcri.org.

If you are a local Emergency Management Director and would like to mobilize VCRI’s Disaster Volunteer Reception Center, click here for more information or contact Janice Pothier Pac at (401) 421-6547 or jpothierpac@vcri.org.

If you are a volunteer interested in disaster response, please click here.