Connect & Support
Voluntary, Faith-Based, In-Kind and Spontaneous Unaffiliated Volunteers.
By Murray Wennerlund published 9-28-2023 updated 11-29-2023
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.
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:
- First and Last name.
- Identification used.
- Medical conditions and physical limitations.
- Medical insurance type of coverage.
- Indemnity cause acknowledgment to hold harmless in the event of an accident and/or injury.
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.
- Cleanup (including Debris Removal, Tarping, and Muck and Gut)
- Volunteer and Donations Messaging and Management (including spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers, and in-kind donated goods)
- Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs)
- Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs)
- Long Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs)
- Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs)
- State Resource library, Disaster Relief - Emergency Management contact information.
