Volusia County Offers Shelter Training for Disaster Volunteers

Posted On: July 30, 2025

The newly formed Volusia Ready Response Corps will conduct a shelter training session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Emergency Operations Center, 3825 Tiger Bay Road, Daytona Beach.

This training, provided by Volusia County and Community Organizations Active in Disasters, will prepare volunteers to support critical shelter operations during natural disasters.

The initiative has already attracted more than 80 residents who are committed to supporting vulnerable community members during emergencies such as hurricanes, wildfires, and cold weather. Approved volunteers can register for the training at https://tinyurl.com/volusia-shelter-training.

Additional Volunteers Are Needed

"With hurricane season upon us, we need more trained volunteers ready to step up when disasters strike," said Brad Burbaugh, Volusia County’s community services director. "These volunteers will provide essential support that enables us to deliver comprehensive, coordinated relief for our most vulnerable residents."

He noted that potential assignments may include staffing emergency shelters, distributing sandbags, disseminating critical supplies and information, organizing resources, installing roof tarps, removing storm debris, and mucking out flood-damaged homes.

Individuals, faith-based organizations, civic clubs, universities, and colleges are strongly encouraged to participate. The program offers flexible time commitments, comprehensive training, and safety instruction. Volunteers are never deployed into dangerous conditions and are not required to respond to every activation.

To begin the registration process, visit www.volusia.org/vrrc. For more information, call 386-943-7039 or email Sonja Baker at sbaker@volusia.org.