VOLUNTEER RECEPTION CENTER “GO KIT” FORMS AND 

INSTRUCTIONS

VRC EXERCISE SET-UP, BRIEFING & PLAY 1 

SIGNAGE FOR VOLUNTEER RECEPTION CENTER 2 

VOLUNTEER RECEPTION CENTER FLOOR PLAN 3 

VRC POSITION DESCRIPTIONS 4 

VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS CHECKLIST 16 

DISASTER VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM 17 

DISASTER VOLUNTEER REFERRAL 19 

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS 20 

SAFETY BRIEFING FOR VOLUNTEERS 21 

VRC SAFETY TRAINING ATTENDANCE RECORD 22 

VRC SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT RECORD 23 

WORK SITE SIGN-IN / SIGN-OUT RECORD 24
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC EXERCISE SET-UP, BRIEFING & PLAY

EXERCISE SET-UP (BEFORE PARTICIPANTS ARRIVE) 

 Arrange VRC Station tables and chairs for smooth flow of people through separate entrance and exit if available 

 Distribute pre-packaged envelopes of materials needed at each Station 

 Tape signs on walls over the VRC Stations 

 Tape Job Descriptions to tables at each Station 

 Place a hat or flag (to summon Runners) at each Station 

 Tape portable whiteboard (laminated 3’x8’ sheet of poster paper) on a wall. (Masking tape is safest.) 

 Write some of your volunteer requests (in alternating colors) on the whiteboard. File those request forms in the “Open 

Requests” file. This gets the play started more quickly. New requests are added as old ones are completed. 

BRIEFING

 As participants arrive, ask them to fill up the chairs at the Stations first, then those in the middle of the room. Ask those at 

the Stations to read the Job Descriptions taped there. 

 Pass out disaster scenario sheets and Station badges 

 Explain the premise of this training: Disaster volunteers will come to help, whether you have planned for them or not. 

Hundreds or thousands of unaffiliated (and unplanned for) volunteers will hinder rather than help the traditional response 

agencies. 

 Discuss who will/could operate a Volunteer Reception Center, if one is needed locally. 

 Review signs and ask someone seated at each VRC station to explain what happens at their station. 

 Discuss the need for accurate record keeping. (Liability, proof that safety and job training were provided, and local match 

for FEMA reimbursement) 

 Explain why the VRC doesn’t do background checks on volunteers and that such checks are the responsibility of the 

receiving agency. 

 Pass out volunteer registration forms. Ask each person to fill out one with their real-life information, and a second for a new

persona (be creative!) with new skills. (You may or may not want people to go around twice. Extra discussion time might 

be more valuable.) 

BEGIN THE ROLE PLAY EXERCISE

 Begin processing volunteers, watching to be sure Runners respond as needed. 

 To keep the play moving smoothly, VRC Director should respond quickly to raised hands, confused expressions and any 

signs of frustration in your participants. (Someone else with experience could help as a facilitator.) 

 If a question pertains to only that one Station, such as clarification of the Job Description, try to answer it on the spot. 

 For questions that seem to involve more than one Station, say something like “That is a valid question and a very important 

point. Could you please bring it up again when we stop the play to discuss some of these issues?” 

 Pause the play once or twice as needed. Encourage participants to ask their questions, voice concerns, etc. (Often the 

problems are caused by forms not being completed properly.) Ask participants to suggest solutions and engage the group in 

solving the problems. (Some suggestions will be impractical for reasons beyond participants’ knowledge.) 

 Stop play 15-20 minutes before the scheduled end of your training. Lead a discussion of the Post Exercise Questions if they 

are appropriate to your trainees. Answer participant questions. 

 Discuss the importance of consistency in VRC plans throughout the state or region to facilitate mutual support. 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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SIGNAGE FOR VOLUNTEER RECEPTION CENTER

You will need one enlargement, unless otherwise specified, for each of the station or directional 

signs shown in the left column. All signs should be laminated and large enough to be read from 

across a large room. 

SIGNS NEEDED WHERE TO POST

Disaster Volunteer Reception Center (2) On street visible from either direction 

Station #1 Registration Registration / orientation area 

Enter Volunteer Entrance to VRC 

Station #2 Interviews Interview Area visible from Volunteer Entry 

Station #3 Data/Agency Coordination Data Coordination visible from Station #2 

Station #4 Safety Briefing Volunteer ID area visible from Station #3 

Station #5 Volunteer I.D. Safety Training visible from Station #4 

Station #6 Maps 

Station #7 Job Training Job Training visible from Station #5 

Exit Exit visible from Stations #5 and #6 

Staff Only (1+ as needed) Staff rest area, areas off limits to spontaneous volunteers 

Phone Bank Agency Coordination area 

Supplies (Staff Only) Door of a secure storage area 

Public Information Officer Public Information Officer’s Table 

Transportation to Worksite At exit to transportation staging area 

Large arrows that can be used for either direction as needed. These are not needed between VRC stations, but may be needed 

in conjunction with the Transportation sign or others. 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VOLUNTEER RECEPTION CENTER FLOOR PLAN

 Volunteer Processing Stations 

 Volunteer Sitting Area 

 Staff Only Areas Volunteer Movement

Bulletin Boards Line Of Sight

 Dry Erase Board     

 Volunteer Entrance 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supply 

Area 

Exit

Station #5 

Volunteer ID

Station #7 Job 

Training 

 Sitting Area 

Public Information 

Officer

Station #4 

Safety 

Briefing 

(Volunteers) (Volunteers)

 (Interviewers) (Interviewers)

Request Board

Station #2: Interviews

Station #1: Registration/ Orientation 

Station #6 

Maps 

Data 

Entry 

Phone Bank 

Station #3 

Data/Agency 

Coordination
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

This section contains the “training and exercise” version of the position descriptions for the 

various staff roles of the Volunteer Reception Center. The text in red represents the functions 

that will actually be done during a VRC exercise. The remaining functions must be done in a 

real disaster VRC, but are not practical to do in an exercise. 

It is helpful to tape the position descriptions to the appropriate tables and allow trainees to read 

and become familiar with their roles prior to starting the exercise. Asking them to describe for 

the rest of the participants what will happen at their station gives them an opportunity to confirm 

their understanding and to ask questions. 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – VRC DIRECTOR

Your job is to oversee the operation of the Volunteer Reception Center. You will: 

♦ Clearly designate one entrance and one exit 

♦ Set up the room for efficient flow of volunteers and information 

♦ Brief and assign tasks to staff and volunteers of the center 

♦ Monitor the operation and make staffing changes when necessary 

♦ Maintain all records of safety and job training provided to volunteers, and hours 

worked in the VRC by employees and volunteers 

♦ Turn all records in to the County Budget Department weekly or at end of the activation 

You should meet and thank all volunteers who help in the VRC and instruct them to sign in and 

out on the Volunteer Sign-in / Sign-out Record daily. Instruct paid staff to sign in on the 

Employee Sign-in / Sign-out Record daily. In a fast-paced disaster response, both paid and 

volunteer staff will need regular reminders to sign in and out. 

Items needed: 

♦ ID badge 

♦ Tables and chairs (see sample room layout for details) 

♦ “Go Box” containing office supplies and forms to stock your VRC for the first 2-3 days 

♦ Items on the Supplies and Equipment list 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – GREETERS 

(Station #1 Registration) 

Ideally, you will be working with a partner, orienting volunteers inside and outside the volunteer 

entrance. 

Your job is to greet people with a friendly and firm demeanor, determine the purpose of 

their visit and direct them accordingly. 

♦ If they are there to volunteer, thank them, give them a “Volunteer Instructions” sheet 

and ask them to fill out a registration form. When the form is completed, direct them 

to the next available interviewer at Station #2. 

♦ If they are media personnel, direct them to the Public Information Officer. 

♦ If they are disaster survivors needing assistance, refer them to the appropriate relief 

organization and, if appropriate, the FEMA registration process. 

♦ If they are bringing cleaning supplies, nonperishable food, etc., to donate, refer them to an 

agency that is accepting donated goods. 

If there is a long wait, some volunteers may not understand the reason and may become 

impatient. Please thank everyone for volunteering, briefly explain the process and ask 

everyone to be patient or, if they prefer, to come back later. 

Items needed: 

♦ ID badges 

♦ Sign (Station #1 Registration) 

♦ Table or clipboards and chairs for volunteers to use for filling out their forms 

♦ Supply of “Volunteer Instructions” handouts 

♦ Supply of Disaster Volunteer Registration Forms 

♦ Pens 

♦ Flag or hat to summon runners 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – INTERVIEWERS

(Station #2 Interviews) 

Your job is to do a quick interview of the prospective volunteer and refer him/her to a job 

at an agency appropriate to his abilities and interests. Requests for volunteers will be 

posted on a board in front of you (behind the volunteers being interviewed) and will be 

erased as the needs are filled. If the VRC has a computer system, you might also receive a 

printed list of the current needs. 

When a new volunteer approaches, ask for his/her registration form. With the volunteer, verify its 

completeness and accuracy, and use it as a guide from which to inquire more about the volunteer’s skills. At 

the conclusion of the interview, keep his registration form. When the volunteer accepts an assignment, 

complete a Referral form, filling in all information requested, sign or initial it and give it to the volunteer and 

instruct him to report to Data Coordination (Station #3). 

Before you signal the Greeter that you are ready for another interview, take a minute to jot 

down in the “Notes” section anything about the volunteer you feel is important and that the 

volunteer did not include on his registration form (a special skill, an obvious physical limitation, 

etc.) If your center decides to use the blind field labeled “Office Use Only*,” check the 

appropriate box. Place his registration form in the file. 

Key points to remember are: 

♦ Disaster registration differs from a “normal” volunteer intake – there is less time to 

try to fit each volunteer into an ideal assignment. 

♦ Refer the volunteer on the spot if possible – it may be impossible to contact him later. If 

the volunteer has special training or unusual skills that you think might be needed soon, ask 

him to wait in the sitting area and to check the volunteer request board for new requests for 

their specialized skills. 

♦ Be sure to watch for volunteers who would work well in the Volunteer Reception Center. 

(It may seem self-serving, but if the VRC has sufficient staff and works effectively, the 

community will benefit!) 

♦ It is likely that some volunteers will exhibit the stress of the disaster – they may be 

survivors themselves. An extra measure of patience and understanding is needed. 

♦ You may be called upon to train new volunteers to assist with the interviewing. 

*The VRC Director should determine appropriate use of the “Office Use Only” field. It is 

intended to provide a customizable “blind” field in which special information can be noted 

about volunteers. If, for future referral of that volunteer, it would be helpful to know his general 

level of ability to work independently, boxes 1-5 could be coded: 1. Learns quickly, able to 

supervise the activities of others; 2. Would work well independently, good decision making 

skills; 3. Needs some supervision and assistance with decision making; 4. Needs close or 

constant supervision; and 5. Has a mental, physical or emotional limitation to consider in 

making a referral. 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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Items needed: 

♦ An ID badge for each interviewer 

♦ 2-3 tables and 8-12 chairs (see floor plan) 

♦ Sign (Station #2 Interviews) 

♦ Supply of Referral forms 

♦ Flag or hat to summon runners 

♦ Pens 

♦ File for maintaining Volunteer Registration Forms in alphabetical order
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – DATA/AGENCY COORDINATOR

(Station #3 Data/Agency Coordination) 

When a volunteer brings you his Referral form, pull the corresponding Request for 

Volunteers form from the file. Enter his name and the date of the referral on the bottom of 

the Request form. Place your initials in the appropriate box on his Referral form. Direct 

the volunteer to Station #4 for a Safety Briefing. 

As you have time, call the agency contact to let him know who or how many volunteers 

have been referred. Confirm with the agency contact whether you should continue 

referring volunteers or close out the Request. 

When a Request has been filled, raise your flag or put on the hat to call a runner and ask 

him to confirm that the request has been removed from the board. 

Enter the date and reason the request was closed (completed, no longer needed, etc.) at the 

bottom of the Request form. If your Requests for Volunteers have been entered into a 

database, be sure to enter the date and reason the Request was closed as soon as possible. Place 

open Requests in one file and closed Requests in the other, alphabetically by agency. 

You may have to call an agency contact to clarify the agency’s Request. When you speak with 

an agency contact, record the information on the Request form in the section called “Follow-up 

Contacts with Requesting Agency.” 

Items needed: 

♦ An ID Badge for each staff member 

♦ Sign (Station #3 Agency / Data Coordination) 

♦ Two tables and four chairs 

♦ Phone 

♦ Two sets of files – one for open Requests for Volunteers and one for closed out Requests 

♦ Pens 

♦ Computer, if available, networked to the computers at the Phone Bank station 

♦ Flag or hat to summon runners 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – PHONE BANK STAFF

You will be handling two types of calls, those from agencies requesting volunteers and 

those from people wanting to volunteer. The information you record about each call must 

be complete and in sufficient detail to facilitate matching volunteers to the needs. DO take 

control of each call immediately. It is much more efficient to ask the questions in the order 

in which they appear on the form. (If the caller takes control you will find yourself scribbling 

in the margins and will not get all the required information.) 

When an agency calls to requests volunteers, fill out a Request for Volunteers form while 

you are speaking with the agency caller. If there is a computer available for entering the 

request into a database, Data Entry staff should enter the need as soon as possible, or could enter 

the data directly while speaking to the caller. 

Next, call a runner by raising the flag at your station. Ask the Runner to post the volunteer 

request on the board in view of the Interviewers (Station #2) and then to give the Request 

for Volunteers form to the Data Coordinator (Station #3). 

When people call to volunteer, thank them and give them the following registration options: 

(This will need to be edited to reflect the system being used.) 

♦ They may register in person at the VRC, and will be given instructions when they arrive. 

♦ They may register on-line, and will be e-mailed regarding possible assignments and given 

further instructions. If the caller represents a group that wishes to volunteer together, ask 

him to be patient while you determine where they can be of most help. It might take one 

day or several to match a volunteer with a need, especially if he is coming from out of 

town. 

When a match (a mission) is found for that volunteer, e-mail or call him back. Ask him to 

print the registration form he completed on-line and schedule a time for him to come to the 

VRC to turn in his signed registration form and complete the registration process. 

Items needed: 

♦ An ID Badge for each staff member ♦ Two tables and four chairs 

♦ Sign (Phone Bank) ♦ Phones 

♦ Supply of Request for Volunteers forms ♦ Pens 

♦ Flag or hat to summon a runner 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – DATA ENTRY 

(Edit as needed to reflect the system being used.) 

Your job is to enter the information from the Volunteer Registration and Request for Volunteers 

forms into the database so that an accurate record can be maintained of who participated in the 

recovery effort, what kinds of work they did and when it was performed. 

After the initial influx of volunteers has subsided, you may have time to begin entering the 

referrals recorded on the Request for Volunteers forms and to close out the completed Requests. 

As needed by VRC staff, print updated lists of the unfilled Requests and ask a Runner to 

distribute copies to Phone Bank staff, Data Coordination, Interviewers and, if requested, the 

VRC Director. 

Even if you are familiar with the software being used by the VRC, please ask for a brief 

orientation before beginning your first shift. Accuracy is more important than speed. The 

information you enter will be used to document the number of agencies and volunteers 

participating in the relief effort and the number of hours served. 

If you have difficulty using the computer, please ask for help immediately. Do not attempt to fix 

the problem yourself. 

Items needed: 

♦ An ID Badge 

♦ One table and two chairs 

♦ Printer 

♦ Pens 

♦ Flag 

♦ One or more computers (multiple computers should be networked to provide all users 

access to information on the status of volunteer requests and the availability of volunteers.) 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – SAFETY TRAINERS

(Station #4 Safety Briefing) 

Your job is to brief all new volunteers on what to expect at their job sites, how to be safe 

while volunteering and how to take good care of themselves after their experience. When a 

small group has gathered, thank the volunteers for offering to help. Pass around a 

clipboard with an attendance sheet and check to be sure that all participants have signed it. 

Read the entire Safety Training sheet slowly, emphasizing the importance of following 

supervisors’ instructions at the worksite. Encourage everyone to attend a debriefing, if 

available, at the end of their shift. Ask if there are any questions. If a question arises to which 

you do not know the answer, put on the hat to summon a runner. Ask the runner to summon the 

VRC Director or other VRC staff to answer the question. At the conclusion of the briefing, 

direct volunteers to Station #5 Volunteer ID. 

Attach a copy of the safety briefing script/handout to the attendance sheet for each class, 

file them in the folder and turn them in to the VRC Director daily. 

Maintenance of these records is important to help protect the Volunteer Reception Center, 

voluntary agencies and emergency management officials from liability, should a volunteer 

be injured on the job. 

Items needed: 

♦ An ID Badge ♦ Pen 

♦ Sign (Station #4 Safety Training) ♦ Stapler 

♦ Flag or hat to summon runners 

♦ 10 or more chairs, preferably in a 

semi-circle so everyone is 

♦ List of additional training required by 

specific worksites, training locations 

and instructors 

♦ Clipboard with attendance sheets ♦ A supply of Safety Training handouts 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – VOLUNTEER ID STAFF

(Station #5 Volunteer ID) 

(Edit as necessary to reflect the identification procedures being used.) 

Thank all volunteers for coming out and ask to see their Referral forms. Clearly write on 

an ID wristband the name of the volunteer, dates he/she will be working, and the name of 

the agency to which the volunteer was referred, as shown on their Referral form. Place the 

ID wristband securely on the volunteer’s wrist. 

Explain to the volunteers that the ID will be “good” only for the date(s) written on the 

band. Authorities may not permit them to enter any of the disaster-impacted areas on any 

other day, without a current ID wristband. If volunteers plan to work more than one day, 

you may write the beginning and ending dates of their service. 

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. 

When your briefing is concluded, direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. 

Direct all others to the exit or to transportation to their work sites if available. 

For this exercise, please ask participants to take a seat in the sitting area in the middle of the 

room. They may trade places with a VRC staff member as time allows. 

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner. 

Items needed: 

♦ ID Badges 

♦ Two tables and four chairs 

♦ Sign (Station #4 Volunteer I.D. Tags) 

♦ Supply of volunteer ID wristbands 

♦ Fine point indelible markers 

♦ Scissors 

♦ Flag or hat to summon runners 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – MAPS STAFF

(Station #6 Maps) 

Thank all volunteers for offering to help and ask to see their Referral Forms. Using a street map, 

show volunteers where there work assignment is located. Smaller strip maps may also be drawn 

and printed to hand out to volunteers. 

If there is a phone at the Maps Station, you may provide that phone number in case the volunteer 

gets lost. Remind them that they also have contact information for the agency or work site to 

which they were referred. 

Some volunteers will be required to take additional training for their particular assignment. 

Direct those volunteers to where job training is being provided. Direct all others to the exit or to 

transportation to their work sites if available. 

If you need assistance, please raise your flag or put on the hat to summon a Runner. 

Items needed: 

♦ ID Badges 

♦ Two tables and four chairs 

♦ Sign (Station #6 Maps) 

♦ Supply of strip maps to various worksites or agencies 

♦ Pens or markers 

♦ Flag or hat to summon runners 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VRC STAFF TASKS – RUNNERS 

Your job is to carry information from one station to another within the VRC. When a 

station needs you to pick up forms, restock their supplies or escort a volunteer from one 

place to another, they will signal you by raising a flag or putting on a hat at their station. 

Please watch carefully for this signal and respond promptly, in order to keep the 

information and volunteers moving smoothly through the registration and referral process. 

One Runner should be stationed at the board on which Requests for Volunteers are posted. 

As a volunteer is referred, place a tally mark or otherwise indicate next to that request the 

number of volunteers referred. This prevents referring too many volunteers to a request. 

Runners posting new Requests for Volunteers on the board, should use only the markers 

provided and write neatly and large enough so that the interviewers can see the requests 

clearly. After posting the request on the board, give the Request form to the Data 

Coordinator (Station #3). 

Items needed: 

♦ An ID Badge 

♦ Dry erase marker or water-soluble marker (Dry erase markers should not be used on a 

laminated “portable white board.”) 

♦ Dry eraser or damp sponges 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS CHECKLIST

VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS

1. Reception Area: Please fill out a registration form 

and proceed as directed to an Interviewer at Station 

#2. 

2. Interview Area: Interviewer will take your 

Registration Form, talk with you about your skills 

and refer you to an agency needing your help. 

Next take your Referral form to Station #3. 

3. Data Coordination Area: Coordinator will record 

and initial your Referral Form and, if possible, 

notify the agency to expect you. Take your 

Referral form to the Safety Briefing area at Station 

#4. 

4. Safety Briefing Area: You will be given special 

instruction about safety, security & transportation. 

Take your Referral form to ID area at Station #5. 

5. Identification Area: You will receive an ID 

bracelet that will allow you to enter restricted areas 

during the days(s) written on ID. Continue to 

Station #6 - Maps. 

6. Maps Area: Area maps are posted for viewing and 

strip maps to your destination may be available. If 

job training is available you will be directed to 

Station #7. 

7. Job Training: Job training for your assignment 

may be available at the VRC. Some jobs may also 

require extra orientation or training that will be 

provided by the agency or worksite to which you 

are referred. 

Thank you for volunteering!

VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS

1. Reception Area: Please fill out a registration form 

and proceed as directed to an Interviewer at Station 

#2. 

2. Interview Area: Interviewer will take your 

Registration Form, talk with you about your skills 

and refer you to an agency needing your help. 

Next take your Referral form to Station #3. 

3. Data Coordination Area: Coordinator will record 

and initial your Referral Form and, if possible, 

notify the agency to expect you. Take your 

Referral form to the Safety Briefing area at Station 

#4. 

4. Safety Briefing Area: You will be given special 

instruction about safety, security & transportation. 

Take your Referral form to ID area at Station #5. 

5. Identification Area: You will receive an ID 

bracelet that will allow you to enter restricted areas 

during the days(s) written on ID. Continue to 

Station #6 - Maps. 

6. Maps Area: Area maps are posted for viewing and 

strip maps to your destination may be available. If 

job training is available you will be directed to 

Station #7. 

7. Job Training: Job training for your assignment 

may be available at the VRC. Some jobs may also 

require extra orientation or training that will be 

provided by the agency or worksite to which you 

are referred. 

Thank you for volunteering!
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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DISASTER VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM

 (Please print clearly. Submit at Volunteer Reception Center or email/fax (see reverse) 

Mr.__ Mrs.__ Ms.__ Name_______________________________________ Birth Date____________ Day Phone______________ 

E-mail address_______________________________________________________________ Evening Phone______________ 

Home Address_____________________________________________ City____________________ ST_____ Zip___________ 

Emergency Contact__________________________________ Relationship______________ Emergency Phone_______________ 

Your Occupation____________________________________ Employer_______________________________________________ 

Business Address____________________________________________ City________________ ST______ Zip_______________ 

Are you a year-round resident? ___Yes ___No Months you are available_______________________________________ 

If you have any health limitations, please explain__________________________________________________________________ 

I am willing to volunteer in: ____this county ____a neighboring county ____anywhere in the state ____anywhere in the U.S. 

Are you currently affiliated with a disaster relief agency? If yes, name of agency:________________________________________ 

Special skills and/or vocational/disaster training:__________________________________________________________________ 

SKILLS: Please check all that apply. 

MEDICAL 

____ Doctor – Specialty: 

 __________________ 

____ Nurse – Specialty: 

 __________________ 

____ Emergency medical cert. 

____ Mental health counseling 

____ Veterinarian 

____ Veterinary technician 

COMMUNICATIONS 

____ CB / ham operator 

____ Hotline operator 

____ Cell phone 

 #_________________ 

____ Satellite phone 

 #_________________ 

____ Public relations 

____ Web page design 

____ Public speaker 

Language other than English: 

____ French 

____ German 

____ Italian 

____ Spanish 

____ Russian 

____ Creole 

____ __________________ 

____ __________________ 

____ __________________ 

OFFICE SUPPORT 

____ Clerical – filing, copying 

____ Data entry – Software: 

 __________________ 

____ Phone receptionist 

SERVICES 

____ Food 

____ Assistance to elderly. 

____ Child care 

____ Spiritual counseling 

____ Social work 

____ Search and rescue 

____ Auto repair/towing 

____ Traffic control 

____ Crime watch 

____ Animal rescue 

____ Animal care 

____ Runner 

____ Functional needs 

 support_____________ 

STRUCTURAL 

____ Damage assessment 

____ Metal construction 

____ Wood construction 

____ Block construction 

 Cert. #_____________ 

____ Plumbing 

 Cert. #_____________ 

____ Electrical 

 Cert. #_____________ 

____ Roofing 

 Cert. #____________ 

TRANSPORTATION

____ Car 

____ Mini van 

____ Maxi-van, capacity___ 

____ ATV 

____ Own off-road veh/4wd 

____ Own truck, description: 

 __________________ 

____ Own boat, capacity___ 

 Type:______________ 

____ Commercial driver 

 Class & license #: 

 __________________ 

____ Camper/RV, capacity & 

type:____________ 

 __________________ 

____ Wheelchair transport 

LABOR 

____ Loading/shipping 

____ Sorting/packing 

____ Clean-up 

____ Operate equipment – 

 Types:_____________ 

 __________________ 

 __________________ 

____ Have experience 

 supervising others 

EQUIPMENT 

____ Chainsaw 

____ Backhoe 

____ Generator 

____ Other:_________________ 

 ___________________ 

Office Use Only 

 1 2 3 4 5 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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Disaster Volunteer Registration Form (Side two) 

Release of Liability Statement 

I, for myself and my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless [Coordinating Agency, 

local governments, State of _________, the organizers, sponsors and supervisors of all disaster preparedness, response and recovery 

activities (check with local Risk Management and Emergency Management Departments re who should be included)] from all 

liability for any and all risk of damage or bodily injury or death that may occur to me (including any injury caused by negligence), in 

connection with any volunteer disaster effort in which I participate. I likewise hold harmless from liability any person transporting me 

to or from any disaster relief activity. In addition, disaster relief officials have permission to utilize any photographs or videos taken 

of me for publicity or training purposes. I will abide by all safety instructions and information provided to me during disaster relief 

efforts. 

Further, I expressly agree that this release, waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by 

the State of _________, and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in 

full legal force and effect. 

I have no known physical or mental condition that would impair my capability to participate fully, as intended or expected of me. 

I have carefully read the foregoing release and indemnification and understand the contents thereof and sign this release as my own 

free act. 

Signature________________________________________________ Date______________ 

Guardian, if under 18______________________________________ Date______________ 

Volunteer’s credentials were recorded as presented. Verification of credentials and any background check required are the 

responsibility of the receiving agency. 

This volunteer was referred to the following agencies: 

Date Need # Agency Contact Name Contact’s phone #

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Return this completed form to: 

(Add Coordinating Agency name, address, email address and fax number here) 

Notes:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

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DISASTER VOLUNTEER REFERRAL

Name of Volunteer__________________________________________ Date_______________ 

Referred to (agency)____________________________________________________________ 

Agency contact name______________________________________ Phone_______________ 

Address of Agency/Site_________________________________________________________ 

Directions to Site______________________________________________________________ 

Title/description of volunteer assignment____________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Dates & hours volunteer will work_________________________________________________ 

Note: Verification of volunteer’s credentials is the 

responsibility of the agency receiving the volunteer. VRC Staff Initials: 

Interview Data Coord Safety Brief Identification 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 

DISASTER VOLUNTEER REFERRAL

Name of Volunteer__________________________________________ Date_______________ 

Referred to (agency)____________________________________________________________ 

Agency contact name______________________________________ Phone_______________ 

Address of Agency/Site_________________________________________________________ 

Directions to Site______________________________________________________________ 

Title/description of volunteer assignment____________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Dates & hours volunteer will work_________________________________________________ 

Note: Verification of volunteer’s credentials is the 

responsibility of the agency receiving the volunteer. VRC Staff Initials: 

Interview Data Coord Safety Brief Identification 

......................................................................................................................................................................................... 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

20 

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS

(Complete one form for each job description.) 

Event name/# ______________ Today’s Date:__________ Start Date:___________ End Date:__________

Title of Volunteer Position: _________________________________________________________________ 

Agency Name: ____________________________________ Agency Contact: ________________________ 

Agency Address: _________________________________________ Phone: _______________ Ext:______ 

Duties: ________________________________________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Volunteers must be physically able to:_________________________________________________________ 

Number Needed: ______________ Dates/Hrs Needed:__________________________________________ 

For this position, volunteers must be at least ____ years of age. 

Skills Needed 

Description Description

Follow-up Contacts with Requesting Agency / Clarification of Need 

Date COMMENTS

 

 

 

 

Volunteers Referred 

Name Date Name Date

 

 

Request closed on ____/____/____ Completed No placements possible No longer needed 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

21 

SAFETY BRIEFING FOR VOLUNTEERS

(Presenter: Be sure to edit this training for the specific incident.) 

Thank you for volunteering today! 

1. If you will be working outside, dress for the weather. Boots may be helpful, as debris on the ground can be 

sharp and dangerous. 

2. Bring work gloves, sunscreen, hat and any appropriate tools you have. You will be responsible for your 

tools. 

3. Water may be available at your work site, but you are encouraged to bring a personal water container. It is 

important to drink lots of water while you work. 

4. While working, you may have a higher than normal exposure to bacteria. When you take a break, wash 

thoroughly. 

5. The work you will be doing may cause you stress, anxiety, fear or other strong emotions. You are providing 

a valuable service by volunteering today. Please understand that, by helping, we will not be able to undo the 

effects of this event. We are each just one person. All we can do is help in our own small ways to assist 

survivors into the recovery process. If you care for one lost animal, find one child’s lost favorite toy, or 

hold the hand of one wheelchair bound senior in a shelter, you will have eased a little of the pain. 

Do not feel guilty because you are not able to fix everything. Just work your shift, then go home to rest and 

eat well. Both will help to relieve the stress. Be sure to attend any debriefing that may be conducted at 

the end of your shift. 

6. Older children can help with some kinds of disaster recovery work, but parents must sign a release of 

liability form for each child under the age of 18. Children should remain in school, if it is open. Older

children may be able to participate with parents on weekends. 

7. In case you are injured while volunteering and need medical care, you should plan on paying for that care. 

The agency with which you are volunteering might have a policy that will cover you while you volunteer for 

disaster relief. If you are volunteering under the direction of a government entity, you might be covered by 

their Workers Compensation policy. It’s best to ask questions and not make any assumptions about 

health/accident coverage. 

8. Follow carefully any instructions given to you at your job site. 

9. Please attend any debriefing activity provided at your worksite after your shift. 

Volunteer Florida, Revised 6-06 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

22 

VRC SAFETY TRAINING ATTENDANCE RECORD

I have attended and received the safety briefing conducted by (Coordinating Agency name) at the Volunteer 

Reception Center. I understand and agree to follow the safety instructions provided. 

PRINT NAME SIGNATURE CONDUCTED BY: DATE TIME

 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

23 

VRC SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT RECORD

Employee Sign-in / Sign-out Record 

Date Name In Out In Out 

Reg. 

Hrs. 

OT 

Hours

Total 

Hours 

 

(Yellow) 
© 2000 Volunteer Florida 

24 

WORK SITE SIGN-IN / SIGN-OUT RECORD

Event Name / #_________________________ _____________________County 

Site_______________________________________________________ Date_____________ 

Site Supervisor__________________________________ Phone______________________ 

Please read before signing: I have received safety instructions for working at this site and agree to follow the 

safety procedures and the directions of the site supervisor. 

Sign your name, times in & out, and the type of work you did today (e.g. cleanup, repair, sorting)

Volunteer’s Name Time In

Time 

Out Time In

Time 

Out 

Total 

Hours 

Type of 

Work