Nearly 2,000 Citizen Corps representatives from 47 states and the District of Columbia will help disaster victims understand the application process for state and federal disaster assistance and identify the needs of Florida’s communities.

Citizen Corps Councils and CERT teams throughout Florida, including some already helping with Hurricane Charley, are also playing a vital role in helping their communities and first responders. What’s more, four Medical Reserve Corps units have been mobilized to provide additional support at shelters for those who have been evacuated from their homes, including people with special needs.

Citizen Corps and FEMA have ceased their recruitment efforts for Florida’s disaster and are now focused on getting the 2,000 volunteers trained and into Florida’s communities as soon as possible. At this time, those interested in assisting with the recovery effort are being encouraged to work with their local Citizen Corps Councils, Red Cross Chapters, and other organizations providing assistance at the national level.

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