Through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, the Corporation for National and Community Service helps communities across the nation prepare, respond, and recover from natural and man-made disasters.

Our Disaster Services Unit has agency-wide responsibility for coordination of CNCS disaster services activities. The DSU provides expertise, ongoing support, and access to a network of dedicated volunteers. CNCS subscribes to the belief that all disasters are local. Our focus is on enhancing and adding value to what already exists in communities and infrastructure -- working in partnership with State Service Commissions, local government, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

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Disaster Services Start-up Guide for State Service Commissions, building upon a legacy of excellence in national service’s role in disaster, this guide is targeted to help State Service Commissions design new or build upon existing disaster service programs.  Conduct a self-assessment on your Commission’s “Disaster IQ” and discover new pathways to enter this important field.

Right now, hundreds of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members are committed to helping communities recover from one of the deadliest disaster seasons on record. And we’re helping even more communities brace for damage from tornadoes, floods, forest fires, and hurricanes.

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Read about the new FEMA and AmeriCorps NCCC partnership to strengthen disaster response and recovery.

Learn more about AmeriCorps Response to the Joplin Tornado.

Earthquakes, unlike other natural disasters, strike suddenly and don’t provide advanced warning time to prepare for their arrival. Knowing what to do if a quake happens can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death.

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Hurricane Katrina taught us a difficult lesson about the damage, death, and destruction a massive storm can cause. If there’s one thing we should take from that experience it is that these weather systems are not something to underestimate; you have to be prepared for the worst – especially if you live in storm-prone areas.

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There’s a saying that goes, “be ready, so you don’t have to get ready.” Every family and workplace needs to have a plan of action to keep everyone safe when the unexpected happens. Sounds like the perfect excuse to discuss National Preparedness Month.

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AmeriCorps and Senior Corps teams are responding in four Gulf Coast states as Hurricane Isaac moves toward the region.

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