Some times you have to act.
Your response does not need to be heroic or immediate. It simply needs to be helpful and not caught up in ego, politics, or legal considerations. Take care of the needs of your own family members first, so that they do not significantly burden the system. Team up with other families or neighbors to create a larger “family.” Be resourceful and flexible, so that you can better help your community.
For example, if water and electric resources are limited, flush less often, bathe less frequently, and be conservative with the use of electrical appliances.
Don’t be a self declared expert responder. If there is no help, then help. But if there are organized efforts by the government or Red Cross, showing up without self sufficient gear, food, shelter and water or the right skills makes YOU part of the burden taking resources from those that really need it. If you want to be n the front lines, train with the local Red Cross and get on the lists to be called to deploy.
Remember, if you are prepared, you do not need to be worried or panicked. You are resilient, you are ready.
Be a leader, be patriotic, and be a Force for Health.
Respond (During & After the Emergency)
Response is not just about surviving the moment — it is about stepping forward with purpose. In times of crisis, communities need people who are prepared not only with supplies, but with skills, humility, and a willingness to serve. Do not assume that authorities can handle everything or that they automatically know your availability. Disasters often overwhelm systems. The most resilient communities are those where citizens are trained, organized, and ready to assist. Begin preparing now so that when the moment comes, you can act calmly and constructively.
Community & Volunteer Readiness
- Be prepared to personally assist as a volunteer using your skills; take classes (first aid, CPR, CERT, disaster response) to strengthen them.
- Join or support local fire companies, ambulance services, or rescue squads.
- Contact your community policing officer about Block Watch or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs.
- Volunteer your availability — do not assume authorities know you are willing or able to help.
- Help organize structured volunteer response teams for both immediate and long-term needs.
- Be willing to perform routine, support, or logistical tasks so highly trained responders can focus on critical operations.
- Take on extra responsibilities at home or work so others can volunteer to serve the community.
Support, Contribution & Civic Strength
- Give generously — blood donations, financial support, supplies, or letters of encouragement.
- Be prepared to help capture and organize data on injured individuals and responders (accurately and ethically) to improve care and future preparedness.
- Show appreciation to proactive service providers and utility agencies; write letters of thanks and encourage others to do the same.
- Promote or help develop emergency preparedness curriculum in schools, workplaces, and community groups.
- Ask local schools if they maintain updated online disaster planning manuals accessible to first responders.
- Be tolerant, patient, and supportive — stress affects everyone differently.
- Support faith leaders and community institutions that provide emotional and spiritual care.
- Do not be afraid to show constructive patriotism and civic pride — unity strengthens morale.
Not a First Responder…then Be a Second Responder:
Second Responders are the quiet stabilizers of a crisis — the men and women who take care of the first responders so they can continue saving lives. After 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, this was the role Dr. Rob stepped into: supporting the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, National Guard members, and volunteers who were working around the clock in exhausting and traumatic conditions.
Second Responders provide medical care, hydration, rest coordination, mental health support, logistical organization, documentation, and simple human reassurance to those on the front lines. They monitor for burnout, dehydration, injury, and emotional overload. They create structure when chaos threatens performance.
Their work is captured in the Lessons Learned books inside the Force for Health, reminding us that resilience is layered — someone must protect the protectors. In any disaster, becoming a Second Responder means recognizing that sustaining the caregivers is as vital as rescuing the victims.
Response is about service over recognition.
It is about steadiness over spectacle. When you prepare your heart, skills, and community connections ahead of time, you become part of the solution. A resilient community is built not only by emergency professionals, but by everyday citizens who choose to show up.
