Join Our Mission

Volunteer With Beacon Rescue

We exist so nobody faces crisis alone. Your skills, time, and dedication can help save lives when disaster strikes.

No prior experience required — we'll train you.

Why Volunteer

Be Part of Something Greater

Make a Real Impact

Deploy alongside experienced teams to directly help communities affected by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters.

Join a National Network

Connect with 500+ volunteers across 15+ states, building lifelong relationships with like-minded responders.

Flexible Commitment

Choose your level — from local weekend events to multi-week disaster deployments. We work around your schedule.

Free Training

Earn certifications in ICS, CERT, swift-water rescue, first aid, and drone operations — all at no cost to you.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

PHOTO GALLERY

Our volunteers training and responding — real people making a real difference.

Programs

Volunteer Programs

Choose the program that fits your skills and availability. Each includes free training and mentorship.

Disaster Response Team

Our frontline program. Volunteers are trained in search & rescue, damage assessment, and debris removal. Deployed within 24–72 hours of a declared disaster.

1 deployment per year (5–14 days)

CERT Basic, ICS 100/200, First Aid/CPR

Communications Corps

Operate mobile command posts, satellite communications, and coordination software. Keep teams connected when infrastructure fails.

Monthly drills + on-call deployments

HAM Radio License, Comms Systems, monday.com ERT Platform

Lifeline Network — Regional

Squads

Join or lead a volunteer squad in your state. Regional squads train together, respond to local emergencies, and deploy nationally when called.

Monthly local meetups + quarterly trainings

Squad Leader Certification, Community Emergency Response

Logistics & Supply Chain

Manage warehousing, transportation, and distribution of critical supplies. Coordinate donations and ensure resources reach those who need them most

Flexible — event-based or ongoing

Supply Chain Management, Warehouse Operations, CDL (preferred)

Community Preparedness Educators

Lead workshops in schools, churches, and civic organizations teaching families how to prepare for and survive emergencies.

2–4 workshops per quarter

Community Preparedness Curriculum, Public Speaking

How It Works

Getting Started

Apply Online

Fill out the application form below with your information and areas of interest.

Orientation Call

A team leader will schedule a 30-minute video call to discuss your goals and availability.

Background Check

Complete a standard background screening (we cover the cost).

Training

Attend your assigned training program — online modules plus in-person skills weekends.

Deploy

Join your team for local drills, community events, and real-world disaster deployments.

FAQ

Common Questions

Do I need prior disaster response experience?

No! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Every program includes comprehensive training at no cost to you. Many of our most effective responders started with zero experience.

How much time do I need to commit?

It depends on the program you choose. Some roles ask for just a few workshops per quarter, while Disaster Response Team members commit to one deployment per year (5–14 days). We work around your schedule and never pressure you beyond your availability.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

You must be 18 or older to volunteer independently. Volunteers aged 16–17 can participate with signed guardian consent and are paired with an adult mentor during all activities.

What does the background check involve?

We run a standard criminal background screening through a third-party provider. Beacon Rescue covers the full cost. The process typically takes 3–5 business days and is required before any field deployment.

Can I volunteer remotely?

Yes. Our Communications Corps and Community Preparedness Educators programs both offer remote participation options. You can also support logistics coordination, social media outreach, and fundraising from anywhere.

What certifications will I earn?

Depending on your program, you may earn CERT Basic, ICS 100/200/700, First Aid/CPR, HAM Radio License, Squad Leader Certification, and more. All training and certification costs are covered by Beacon Rescue.

What happens during a real deployment?

When a disaster is declared, qualified volunteers are activated via text and email. You'll receive a deployment briefing, travel to the affected area (expenses covered), and work alongside your team for 5–14 days performing search & rescue, damage assessment, supply distribution, or communications support.

Can I choose which disasters I respond to?

Absolutely. Every deployment is voluntary. You'll receive activation alerts and can accept or decline based on your availability. There is never a penalty for declining a deployment.

Requirements

What You Need

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Here's what's needed to get started:

Must be 18 years or older (16+ with guardian consent)
Pass a background check
Physically able to perform assigned duties
Commit to completing required training within 90 days
Maintain current certifications and attend refresher courses
Adhere to Beacon Rescue's code of conduct and safety protocols

Note: Specific programs may have additional requirements (e.g., HAM radio license for Communications Corps, CDL for Logistics). All required training is provided free of charge by Beacon Rescue.