Better Coordination with Nonprofit Volunteer Organizations During Preparedness Can Improve Disaster Recovery (December 2020)
The Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) coordinates with local emergency management agencies and nonprofit volunteer organizations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. A majority of stakeholders perceive NCEM’s coordination with nonprofit volunteer organizations as sufficient. However, opportunities exist for improvement. Specifically, coordination could be strengthened by engaging nonprofit volunteer organizations through communication, training, and formal agreements; issuing guidance to local governments; and establishing at least one dedicated Voluntary Agency Liaison (VAL) position.