Spontaneous Volunteers in Emergencies and Disasters

Abstract

Spontaneous volunteers are often involved in response and relief efforts during and after emergencies and disasters. These volunteers perform various tasks: search and rescue, first aid, response to fires, distributing food and water, cleaning debris, and caring for animals. It is clear that spontaneous volunteers have played a vital role in preventing the loss of life and property following emergencies and disasters in the past. However, the lack of organization and knowledge about emergencies and disasters among these volunteers creates challenges and risks like liability and security issues. These factors make professional responders reluctant to use spontaneous volunteers in emergencies and disasters. By completing a literature review on the benefits, challenges, and risks of spontaneous volunteers in emergency and disaster response and relief activities, we aim that this study will speed up the fundamental studies on the topic. Creating strategies for these volunteers’ efficient usage and incorporating them into the current emergency and disaster management systems can significantly reduce disaster risks.