Week 1: Gain insights for disaster recovery community management with a focus on safety and volunteer coordination. Strengthen your community's recovery efforts.
By Murray Wennerlund, published , updated .
Homeowners should conduct a daily health and safety briefing for all individuals present on their property prior to commencing any work. It's crucial to pinpoint specific areas where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and either supply the necessary gear or instruct workers to bring their own.
A step-by-step guide for homeowners to manage voluntary, faith-based, in-kind, and unaffiliated volunteers safely and effectively during the first week after a disaster.
Published: September 28, 2023 | Last Modified: September 09, 2025
Before any work begins, hold a health and safety briefing for everyone on your property. Identify areas requiring PPE and ensure volunteers are equipped or instructed to bring their own gear.
Track all volunteers using a sign-in sheet that includes name, ID, medical conditions, insurance type, and indemnity acknowledgment. This helps with emergency response and liability protection.
Have a legally binding waiver that protects you from liability in case of injury. Consult your homeowners insurance provider and legal counsel to ensure coverage and compliance.
Prefer organizations with screening and training protocols. If accepting unaffiliated volunteers, vet them carefully and clarify expectations. Understand the difference between nonprofit-backed and spontaneous volunteers.
Organize efforts for debris removal, tarping, and muck-outs. Manage in-kind donations and spontaneous volunteers through clear messaging and coordination tools.
Engage with Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs), Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs), and VOADs for structured support and referrals.
Use your state’s emergency management library and disaster relief contacts to find vetted volunteer groups, legal templates, and coordination tools tailored to your region.
Homeowners should possess a legally binding waiver that absolves them of any liability in case of accidents or injuries involving volunteer groups or individuals rendering assistance post-disaster. It's imperative to be aware of who is present on your property and whether they have any pertinent medical conditions that should be communicated to first responders in the event of an unintended injury. This measure can prove critical, potentially saving lives.
Current sign-in sheet categories:
It's important to clarify that this information isn't legal counsel. If you're uncertain, it's recommended to seek guidance from both your homeowners insurance provider and a legal professional. Generally, standard homeowners insurance policies should encompass liability coverage for incidents involving volunteers. However, if this isn't the case, consulting your insurance company will facilitate obtaining the appropriate coverage to safeguard against potential liability claims and legal proceedings.
For those without property insurance, having a waiver of liability in place is a crucial measure. It's important not to overly dwell on this matter or reject volunteers. Nevertheless, it's essential to understand that the responsibility falls on you if a claim is filed. Opting for volunteer organizations with robust screening, training, and comprehensive information on indemnification waivers is the preferred course of action. This helps safeguard both the organization and those it aids.
It's worth reiterating that this information is derived from firsthand experiences and is shared for informational purposes, not as legal counsel. It draws upon the experiences of homeowners who have interacted with diverse volunteer groups and their respective organizations.
To locate volunteer groups and organizations, it's important to listen for local announcements and reach out to local faith-based groups for recommendations.
Understand the differences between a Not for Profit Organization providing volunteers and Unaffiliated individuals volunteering directly to you and your property needs. In some cases, unaffiliated volunteers can offer more specialized assistance, but, it is up to you to do your due diligence and vet the person that is volunteering as an unaffiliated volunteer.
How can homeowners manage safety and volunteer coordination effectively after a disaster?
Homeowners should conduct daily safety briefings, ensure the use of PPE, have liability waivers, and keep accurate records of volunteers' medical conditions and insurance to manage safety and volunteer coordination effectively after a disaster.
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