Overview
We lead coordinated and collaborative disaster-related efforts with federal, state, and local governments, nonprofits, faith-based and philanthropic organizations, and other partners.
Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC)
We oversee and operate three walk-in Emergency Volunteer Centers (EVCs) for Marin, Solano, and Sonoma counties. If a disaster should occur, a spontaneous volunteer can either visit one of our centers or call its phone bank. We also oversee physical and monetary donations received in these three counties in times of disaster.
Disaster Services Consulting
Our seasoned consultants can help you with your Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning, lead your staff through a psychological first aid (PFA) training, create strategies for managing disaster volunteers, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
What is an EVC?
- A clearing house for engaging spontaneous volunteers
- Matches spontaneous volunteers with community needs
- Staffed by trained personel
- Provides one-stop shopping for the volunteer
What is the difference between Affiliated and Spontaneous EVC volunteers in California?
Affiliated volunteers are pre-trained for a specific disaster. Examples include Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), the Red Cross and other organizations. CVNL Napa is the convening point for CERT volunteers for Napa County. Ready Marin is the Marin County CERT representative. Spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers have no previous disaster training and are not affiliated with a response organization. CVNL’s EVC in both Marin and Napa are convening points for spontaneous volunteers.
When is the EVC activated?
When an emergency happens, EVCs are activated when the State of California makes a declaration. Counties then activate EVCs from their Office of Emergency Services and Emergency Operations Centers (EOC). The EOC is the central point where emergency services are coordinated (i.e. Police, Fire, etc.). If the EVC is activated, there are a couple of things that could happen. If the power is on, most of the coordination will happen online and via phone. CVNL’s EVC may open a call center. If the power goes out, radios and other devices may be utilized.
Who helps during an emergency, and where do spontaneous volunteers sign up?
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What are the hours of EVC operation?
Typically the EVC operates for seven days throughout a disaster (may be extended). The EVC is open up to 12 hours each day.