Communities responding to disasters: planning for spontaneous volunteers

This handbook supports organisations to plan for and manage spontaneous volunteers who offer help during disasters and emergencies. The guide outlines national principles, policies and frameworks for engaging spontaneous volunteers, and provides practical guidance on coordination, safety and communication.

Benefits for volunteer managers

• integrate spontaneous volunteers into disaster response efforts
• strength coordination and communciation with volunteers during disaster and emergency responses
• plan and prepare for emergency and disaster situations
• manage risk, safety and wellbeing of volunteers.

How to apply this resource

Use this handbook as part of emergency preparedness planning and to inform policies, procedures and training for disaster response.