FAQs for Citizens

What is Fire Corps? 

Fire Corps is a locally-driven Citizen Corps program that enables community members to offer their time and talents to their local fire/EMS department in a non-emergency capacity.
 

What is Citizen Corps? 

Citizen Corps is an initiative under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to support first responders and participate in a range of measures to make their families, homes, and communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds.
 
Citizen Corps is comprised of five programs – USAOnWatch/Neighborhood Watch, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), and Fire Corps – along with several affiliate organizations. Citizen Corps activities are coordinated at the local level by Citizen Corps Councils. For more information about Citizen Corps, please visit www.citizencorps.gov.

 

Why should I join a Fire Corps program? 

As a Fire Corps volunteer, or citizen advocate, you will be part of a renowned national volunteer program where you can support your local fire/EMS department with non-emergency tasks so department members may better protect your community from fires, natural disasters, terrorism, and other emergencies. In return, you will gain a greater understanding of the fire and emergency services and become better prepared to handle your own emergencies as well as those of your neighbors.

 

What can I do for my local fire/EMS departments? 

Citizen advocates may use their individual talents and skills to support various non-emergency tasks, including but not limited to:
 
  • Fire Prevention and Life Safety Education
  • Rehab or Canteen Services (providing food and water to first responders during lengthy incidents)
  • Fundraising
  • Data Entry
  • Bookkeeping
  • Administrative Functions
  • Public Relations
  • Preplanning and Research for emergency incidents
  • Apparatus and Facility Maintenance
 
The types of tasks available are limited only by the needs of the department. Fire/EMS departments seek a variety of skills and will match your talents and interests to an appropriate assignment. For example, if you're a graphic designer, they may ask you to help design a brochure, or if you're a computer software expert, they may want you to help improve their existing information system.

 

How can I learn about Fire Corps opportunities in my area? 

Visit www.firecorps.org to find a list of Fire Corps programs in your area. You may also contact your local fire/EMS department or local Citizen Corps Council to ask if they have a program.

 

What if there is not a Fire Corps program in my area? 

If your local department is not registered with Fire Corps, you may contact your local department or Citizen Corps Council and advocate for a Fire Corps program to be implemented. Perhaps you could offer your services to help start a Fire Corps program within the department. The Fire Corps web site at www.firecorps.org contains resources to help you and/or the department advocate, start, implement, and manage a Fire Corps program.

 

Are there age-specific requirements for who can or cannot volunteer? How about teenagers? 

Age requirements for Fire Corps programs differ from department to department. Please contact your local fire/EMS department for information on its specific requirements.

 

Do I have to dedicate a certain number of hours per day, week, or year? How long do I have to serve? 

Most departments are happy to have you offer any level of service. Most often, you may work out a schedule of hours with your local department.

 

What training do I need? 

Your department will likely have an orientation and training to introduce you to its program. Additional training may be offered depending on your assignment.