Disaster Response Opportunities



In a large-scale disaster, individual self-reliance and the response of trained community volunteers are critical.  Below are ways you can get involved and get trained so you can better help your community when disaster strikes.

Uintah County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) — Public safety agencies will not have the resources to be everywhere at once and some residential areas may be isolated.  The CERT training program provides you with the skills to take care of yourself, your loved ones, and help your neighbors following a disaster. CERT classes cover general emergency preparedness, disaster first aid, hazardous materials, light search and rescue, fire prevention and suppression, working as a team, basic Incident Command System, and includes a disaster simulation. CERT trainees can join a CERT team and become a County disaster resource.

Contact Uintah County CERT, Uintah County Emergency Management 435-781-5466

Tri County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) The Tri County MRC develops partnerships with medical practitioners (active and retired)  and aid in the education, training and deployment of citizen volunteers and resources in case of a large scale disaster.  Trainings for volunteer responders include ICS, Psychological First Aid, START Triage, POD training, Shelter intensive, Field First Aid and Disaster Management.

Contact the Tri County MRC

American Red Cross The American Red Cross provides relief to those affected by disasters and empowers individuals in the community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  Disaster volunteers provide food, shelter, health, mental health and recovery services to those who are displaced due to a fire or other disaster. Opportunities for disaster responder positions are available locally and nationally. Disaster volunteers receive free disaster trainings such as disaster assessment, mass care/shelter operations, logistics, client casework, etc.

Contact the Salt Lake Chapter of the Red Cross or the OEM for more information.

Southern Baptist Relief Southern Baptist Disaster Relief responds to disasters across the US and around the world. Locally, they provide shower, laundry and feeding facilities for local and national responses.

Contact Southern Baptist Relief

Uintah County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) ARES members are Ham radio enthusiasts that volunteer their time and skills to ensure communications during a disaster. They train in ICS and participate in exercises. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty, when called upon, to support public service events, such as parades, marathons, etc., during severe emergencies, or when disaster strikes. ARES members also operate radio equipment installed in Emergency Operations Centers and other strategic locations.

Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership in ARES. The only qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a sincere desire to serve.

Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.

Contact the Borderline Amateur Radio Club (BARC) or Uintah County ARES