Disasters can be daunting, but they don’t have to be! Please see options below for different ways you can become better prepared for an emergency. As a volunteer, you can help the community prepare and respond to emergencies.
Online Videos
There are a variety of online tools and trainings for people interested in learning about personal preparedness, including:
- Resolve to be Prepared: Learn your hazards, make a plan and build an emergency kit
- Re-Prepare for Disasters: Mental resilience and community engagement resources
- Disaster Ready Washington: Emotional and financial health, cybersecurity tips, strategic shopping
Community Preparedness Workshops
Every year, Bellevue Emergency Management hosts an annual community preparedness workshop, which gives residents an opportunity to get hands-on training on personal preparedness, basic disaster medical and fire safety.
Information about this year's workshop will be posted here once it becomes available.
Preparedness Presentations
If you are interested in having a staff member or volunteer come to your community group and provide a presentation on personal preparedness, please reach out to oem@bellevuewa.gov. Scheduling is based on availability and must be requested at least three weeks in advance.
CERT Training
The Community Emergency Response Team program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact our region and provides training and education in basic disaster response skills such as light search and rescue, fire safety, team organization and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
Bellevue CERT is open to those who live or work in the Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Medina, Beaux Arts, Newcastle, Yarrow Point or Hunts Point area. To learn more about the Bellevue CERT program, to be notified of future training opportunities, or to request a presentation from the team, check out BellevueCert.org.
Volunteering
Interested in getting more involved in emergency management? Bellevue’s Office of Emergency Management offers a number of ways for community members to become more engaged.
- Bellevue Communications Support: Volunteer team of dedicated HAM radio operators that provides auxiliary communications services to the City of Bellevue (and surrounding region) during emergencies. See more details here.
- Community Engagement & Outreach: Volunteers dedicated to proactively going into the community and sharing information about emergency preparedness with their friends, neighbors, and fellow Bellevue community members. Opportunities may include preparedness presentations, staffing information booths, and facilitating preparedness activities with local neighborhoods.
- Emergency Response Support: Volunteers are a vital part of any disaster response. Needs during a disaster may vary depending on the nature and scope but can include support for city-run emergency shelters, the Emergency Operations Center, and many other opportunities.
All volunteers must undergo a regular background check process. If you are interested in any of the above opportunities, please submit a completed Volunteer Application to OEM@bellevuewa.gov. A member of our staff will follow up within a week with more information about the program and next steps.
Thank you for your interest and willingness to help build a more resilient city!