Overview
In the event of an emergency or disaster within Allamakee County, situations may arise requiring the use of volunteers to augment and support response and recovery operations with the need specifically of sponsored, trained, and affiliated volunteers ready to perform certain required tasks. These volunteers would be pre-identified and ready for duties as directed and trained for normal pre-designated tasks associated with response and recover operations.
The Allamakee County Emergency Response Volunteer Program includes members from both the Northeast Iowa Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and volunteers aged 18 or older who have indicated they are willing to respond at the request of the Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator when it is determined a disaster or emergency requires the support of trained volunteers to assist Allamakee County in response or recovery operations.
Volunteers in this program have the choice of duties they would like to participate in and what their availability criteria are regarding travel and time frames when they would be able to respond and unable to respond. Overall, a volunteer has the flexibility to determine what works best for them in supporting the county. These volunteers can determine their ability to respond to each specific event once it happens and there is no preconceived notion of how much and when someone should be able to support the county.
There are various sources of Affiliated Volunteers to include:
- Programs like the Allamakee County Emergency Response Volunteer Program and or if affiliated with other emergency management agencies or local emergency response agencies.
- Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is an organization engaging people aged 55 and older in volunteer services to meet critical community needs and to provide a high-quality experience that will enrich the lives of volunteers. Members of the RSVP can also serve in this program, and a mutual relationship exists between RSVP and the Allamakee County Emergency Response Volunteer Program.
- The American Red Cross and Salvation Army would be examples of nationally recognized volunteer organizations often called upon during times of emergency and disasters and are part of the National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Members of these or similar organizations can also serve in this program with the understanding their primary responsibilities may be with these commitments first depending upon the situation.
Please review the attached document providing some additional information on the program: Volunteer Handout March 2026
Joining or More Information
If interested or seeking additional information, please contact, email, or visit the Allamakee County Emergency Management Coordinator at:
Office Phone: 563-568-4233
Email: allamakeecountyema@allamakeecounty.iowa.gov
Office Location: 877 HWY 9, Waukon, IA 52172 (Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office)
Click here for an Enrollment Form: Volunteer Enrollment Form fillable
Allamakee County Emergency Response Volunteer Program Details. For more detailed information on the program click the following link: PAGE LINK
Emergency Response Volunteer Program Handbook. Is a detailed document which provides an overview of the program to include expectations, guidance, guidelines, and conduct of volunteers in this program. Volunteer Handbook 24 September 2026
Allamakee County Emergency Response Volunteer Program Job Skills Book. The Job Skills Book is a detailed document which provides the standard operating procedures supporting job task activities within the duties a volunteer may be tasked to perform during an emergency response. Draft Allamakee County Emergency Response Volunteer Program Job Skills Book
Volunteer to Go Bag. The attachment is provided as a reference for having a kit of items ready to go or knowing what to take with you when assigned a duty responsibility. This is designed to aid in one’s performance of duties and help to ensure the volunteer would have any needed items with them while working. Volunteer To Go Bag
Volunteer Program Member Page Links:
Newsletters: PAGE LINK
Calendar of Events: PAGE LINK
Meeting Notes: PAGE LINK
Training and Exercises: PAGE LINK
Miscellaneous Documents and Links: PAGE LINK
Point of Contact
The primary point of contact is the Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator.
Office Location: 877 HWY 9, Waukon, IA 52172 (Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office)
Office Phone: 563-568-4233
Email: allamakeecountyema@allamakeecounty.iowa.gov