Volunteer

Woodbury County Emergency Management hosts a number of opportunities that allow citizens to serve thier community before, during, and after disasters. Volunteers meet regularly and train based on their chosen area(s) of expertise. Woodbury County Emergency Management currently has two volunteer teams which assist in emergency management activities. Interested volunteers can choose to apply to only one team, or both depending on thier interests:

The Woodbury County Emergency Management Support Team (EMST)

The Emergency Management Support Team (EMST) is a group of trained individuals with multiple skills who provide incident response support before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. The team works closely with emergency management staff and first responders to fulfil emergency management objectives.

"Our mission is to provide comprehensive emergency management support, resources, and expertise to communities, organizations, and government agencies. We aim to enhance preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts through effective coordination, collaboration, and innovative solutions. With a commitment to excellence and the well-being of those we serve, our team strives to minimize the impact of emergencies and disasters and foster a culture of resilience."

The team meets at least monthly for training to include:

• Emergency Operations Center Management and Operations
• Emergency Preparedness
• Damage Assessment
• First Aid and CPR
• Field Operations
• Search and Rescue
• Shelter Operations
• Radio Communications (Public Safety and Amateur Radio)
• Urban Survival
• Weather Spotting and Analysis

During times of emergency, team members respond to support emergency management staff in providing critical resources and information to stakeholders including government partners and first responders in the field. 

Prospective members can apply to the team by filling out the form below. A member of the team will reach out for an interview. All members must complete a criminal background screening and are subject to the rules and regulations set forth by Woodbury County Emergency Management.

Join The Woodbury County Emergency Management Support Team

For questions contact: 

Mike Gill, Woodbury County EMST Team Leader - ema@woodburycountyiowa.gov

Woodbury County Citizen's Preparedness Taskforce (cpt)

Woodbury County Emergency Management also hosts a second team called the Woodbury County Citizen's Preparedness Taskforce. These citizens from Woodbury County work closely with emergency management staff to help individuals, households, and communities become more resilient and prepared in the face of disaster. The team regularly meets to discuss community events such as seminars and courses on topics which include:

• Building Disaster Readiness Kits (including bug-out bags)
• Electrical Generation During Emergencies
• Disaster Communications
• Financial Readiness for Disasters
• Individual Preparedness Activities
• Hazard Recognition
• Managing Food and Water During Disasters (canning and water storage)
• And Many More...

The team does not train to perform in a response capacity. However, they help educate neighbors on the importance of preparedness. When disaster strikes, response teams must prioritize services for those who need it most. By being prepared, citizens make themselves assets to thier community and a helping hand to thier neighbors, decreasing thier chance of needing rescue and assistance by professional responders.

The mission of the team is: 

"To facilitate, educate, & communicate resilience, self reliance, and safety readiness for the citizens and communities of Woodbury County."

Any member of the public including residents who live outside of Woodbury County can attend classes put on by the team. Upcoming classes can be found in the education section. 

Prospective members can apply to the team by filling out the form below. A member of the team will reach out for an interview. All members must complete a criminal background screening and are subject to the rules and regulations set forth by Woodbury County Emergency Management.

Join The Woodbury County Citizen Preparedness Team

For questions contact: 

Steve Corey, Woodbury County CPT Team Leader - ema@woodburycountyiowa.gov