Citizen Corps
Do you want to become more prepared for a disaster and help your community do the same? Looking for opportunities to help out around town? Look no further! Join your Local Citizen Corps Program today.
Beginning with the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and continuing with Hurricane Katrina and the floods of 2008, we are reminded that more than ever of our vulnerabilities, more appreciative of our freedoms, and more understanding that we have a personal responsibility for the safety of our families, our neighbors and our nation. If there is a common theme through those events, it’s that personal preparedness and community action saves lives! Citizen Corps councils help drive local citizen participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats and identifying local resources.
In Iowa, 59 counties are currently participating in the Citizen Corps program. All counties are eligible and encouraged to participate and receive Citizen Corps Funding. The Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council (IDHRC) is comprised of faith-based and voluntary agency representatives and serves as the statewide Citizen Corps council. As Iowa continues to work toward identifying and organizing volunteers, Citizen Corps and the funds provided can assist local governments in that effort.
Programs under the Citizen Corps umbrella include Citizen Corps Councils (IDHRC in Iowa), Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and Fire Corps.
To find out if your county is participating or for more information, please go to: www.citizencorps.gov.
Citizen Corps is coordinated nationally by the Department of Homeland Security.