Help Prepare Your Communities
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains volunteers in disaster preparedness and basic response skills like fire safety, search and rescue, and medical operations. CERT provides a consistent, nationwide volunteer network that professional responders can rely on during disasters. Volunteers can also assist with non-emergency community projects. CERT programs are open to individuals of all abilities and require 20-30 hours of training.
- To register for a class, go to Training, Exercise & Response Management System - Welcome Page
- For more information, and to see a complete list of current CERT programs in NC, please visit: CERT - Community Emergency Response Team | Ready NC
- Stay informed and pre-plan Plan. Prepare. Stay Informed. | Ready NC
- Visit Know Your Zone for hurricane evacuation and other assistance.

Resources
To stay informed about recovery efforts and available resources for Tropical Storm Helene, visit Tropical Storm Helene | NC DPS. This page provides critical updates on disaster assistance and other services, to include FEMA deadlines, Disaster Recovery Centers locations, private road and bridges, and others.
If you were affected by Tropical Storm Helene and need assistance, NC Disaster Case Management can help connect you with resources for your recovery. Case managers work one-on-one with survivors to assess needs, develop a recovery plan, and navigate available services, including housing assistance, financial aid, and other critical support. To register for assistance, please visit NC Disaster Case Management | NC DPS.
For organizations seeking access to the Multi-Agency Warehouse to support disaster-affected communities, please visit Helene Donations | NC DPS. This warehouse serves as a central hub for receiving, storing, and distributing donated goods and resources to organizations actively engaged in Helene disaster recovery efforts. Approved organizations can request essential supplies to aid in relief efforts.
WNCRecovery.nc.gov this newly released website features updates, resources, and information detailing progress of Helene recovery efforts, including rebuilding safe housing, restoring infrastructure, and revitalizing the economy.
NC 211 is a free and confidential service that connects individuals and families to local resources for essential needs such as housing, food, healthcare, and disaster assistance. Available 24/7, NC 211 provides guidance and referrals to support services across North Carolina. Dial 2-1-1 or visit NC211.org
Nonprofits helping in the response and recovery please join us the Needslist. A free donations management platform available for nonprofits, faith-based and other entities providing donations and volunteer support after a disaster.
NCVOAD brings together nonprofits, faith-based groups, and community organizations to coordinate disaster response, recovery, and preparedness efforts across North Carolina. To get information and become a member, click on the link Home - North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
For entities providing Hurricane Helene support, relief and recovery grants are available through:
- CFWNC Hurricane Helene Relief & Recovery – Community Foundation of Western NC is supporting long-term recovery efforts through grants intended to cover the extraordinary costs of providing emergency, relief or recovery services for eligible organizations affected by the storm.
- Haywood United Way Flood Recovery – Assistance for flood-affected communities.
- Hurricane Helene Response - North Carolina Community Foundation provides grants to support long-term recovery and unmet needs in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
- For other grant opportunities, please visit WNC Strong | Grants.
NC 211 is a free and confidential service that connects individuals and families to local resources for essential needs such as housing, food, healthcare, and disaster assistance. Available 24/7, NC 211 provides guidance and referrals to support services across North Carolina. Dial 2-1-1 or visit NC211.org
Visit Know Your Zone to identify your hurricane evacuation zone and access critical resources for preparedness. The site includes information on evacuation routes, shelters, and emergency contacts to help you make informed decisions and stay safe during disaster events.
Visit ReadyNC for essential information and resources to help you prepare for hurricanes and other disasters. The site offers tools for creating emergency plans, building disaster supply kits, and staying informed with real-time updates on weather and evacuation information.
NC Emergency Management Provides information on state emergency management plans, recovery assistance, and mitigation efforts.
FEMA offers resources for disaster assistance, recovery, and preparedness. NC Emergency Management Provides information on state emergency management plans, recovery assistance, and mitigation efforts.
Legal Aid - Legal Aid of North Carolina Disaster Energy Assistance Available to 25 Counties Impacted by Hurricane Helene to Help with Heating Costs and Repairs During Winter Beginning Jan. 15.
North Carolina Region | American Red Cross Provides shelter, food, and relief efforts to those impacted by disasters, as well as disaster preparedness and recovery resources.
NCVOAD brings together nonprofits, faith-based groups, and community organizations to coordinate disaster response, recovery, and preparedness efforts across North Carolina. To get information and become a member, click on the link Home - North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
Feeding the Carolinas provides critical support to food banks across the state, ensuring that communities affected by disaster or hardship have access to nutritious food. Visit their Action page to learn how you can help by donating, volunteering, or advocating for food security in the Carolinas. Your support can make a direct impact on disaster recovery efforts and help families in need.
VolunteerNC hosts webinars year-round on disaster response, recovery, and preparedness. Visit our YouTube channel to watch the latest sessions.
When disaster strikes, North Carolinians step up to support affected communities. You can help by connecting with available volunteer opportunities.
How to Get Involved:
STEP 1: Do Not Self-Deploy For your safety and to ensure an effective response, always coordinate with an established disaster relief organization before volunteering.
STEP 2: Be Prepared Understand your role, safety protocols, and points of contact before heading out to assist.
STEP 3: Find Volunteer Opportunities Visit VolunteerNC | nc.gov to explore disaster-related volunteer opportunities.
*VolunteerNC does not vet volunteer opportunities but serves as a connector between organizations with volunteer needs and individuals who wish to serve. *