Every September, National Preparedness Month encourages us to take action before disaster strikes. Most of us think about preparing at home or at work — having a go-bag ready, learning CPR, or running safety drills. But preparedness isn’t just an individual responsibility. It’s something we build together, as a community.
When emergencies happen — whether it’s a medical crisis, wildfire, flood, or even an active shooter — professional responders can’t be everywhere at once. Neighbors, coworkers, and everyday citizens often become the true first responders. That’s why community preparedness matters just as much as personal preparedness.
How Can I Help?
There are many ways to get involved in your community before disaster strikes. Ask yourself: How can I help?
Here are some excellent places to start:
- CaliforniaVolunteers / AmeriCorps Disaster Teams – The state’s lead agency for volunteer coordination before, during, and after disasters. They connect citizens with service opportunities, including disaster preparedness initiatives.
- Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) – Train with your neighbors in basic disaster response skills like fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams – Every California county has volunteer SAR units that assist law enforcement with missing persons, wilderness rescues, and disaster response. Always looking for dedicated, trainable volunteers.
- Disaster Healthcare Volunteers of California – A statewide system for healthcare professionals to register and be deployed quickly during emergencies.
- HandsOn Sacramento – Regional Center for Volunteerism serving Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado counties. Their Disaster Services Program manages volunteer registration and deployment during emergencies.
- American Radio Relay League (ARRL) – Amateur radio volunteers who provide emergency communications when power or cell networks fail.
- Team Rubicon – Veteran-led disaster response teams that assist with both response and long-term recovery, including wildfire preparedness in Northern California.
- Local Animal Response Teams (CART) – Volunteer groups dedicated to rescuing and sheltering pets and livestock during disasters.
- California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) – Works with law enforcement to train, certify, and deploy volunteer search-dog teams to find missing persons. SAR, trailing, water human remains detection, wilderness air scent, and more. All services to agencies and families are free; costs are covered through volunteer effort and donations.
- Citizen Corps, Neighborhood Watch, Fire Corps, Civil Air Patrol – Long-standing national programs that allow individuals to contribute in meaningful, life-saving ways.
Each of these organizations provides training, connection, and opportunities to serve your neighbors when it matters most.
Train Today, Respond Confidently Tomorrow
Preparedness also means having the right skills when emergencies happen in your workplace, home, or community. At Safety Training Pros, we specialize in hands-on training that empowers people to respond effectively in critical moments. Our most popular courses include:
- CPR/AED & First Aid Training – Life-saving basics for medical emergencies.
- Stop the Bleed – Control severe bleeding, one of the leading causes of preventable death.
- EpiPen & Narcan Training – Respond quickly to allergic reactions and opioid overdoses.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – Advanced skills for healthcare providers and professional rescuers.
- Wilderness First Aid and First Responder Training – Prepare for emergencies where advanced care is delayed.
- Instructor Training – Train others and multiply your community’s readiness.
Our instructors bring real-world rescue experience, so you don’t just get certified — you get confident.
Together We Build Safer Communities
Preparedness Month isn’t just about personal safety; it’s about building stronger, safer communities. By combining personal training with community involvement, we create a culture of resilience where everyone has a role to play.
👉 This September, take one step forward: sign up for a class, join a volunteer program, or encourage your workplace to strengthen its emergency plan. The actions you take today could make all the difference tomorrow — for yourself, your coworkers, and your community.
This article is part of our September Preparedness Month Blog Series. Catch up on all the topics:
- Week 1: September is Preparedness Month: Start With Yourself
- Week 2: Is Your Workplace Ready for an Emergency?
- Week 3: Building Stronger & Safer Communities ← you are here
- Week 4: Protecting Your Family at Home
- Week 5: Resilience & Recovery