Responder resources
Resources
Natural disaster preparedness, training, crisis support, and practical links for veterans, families, volunteers, and the people helping build the first response team.
Emergency boundary
If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Veterans Crisis Line
- Call 988, then Press 1
- Text 838255
- Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to use the Veterans Crisis Line.
Training and support paths
Useful places to start.
These resources are provided as practical starting points for natural disaster preparedness, team readiness, volunteer training, veteran support, and family support. Links open in a new tab.
Disaster preparedness and response training
Starting points for volunteers and supporters who want to understand recognized preparedness, incident coordination, first aid, and community response training.
FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
FEMA information about CERT programs, community preparedness, drills, and volunteer response concepts.
FEMA IS-700.B: National Incident Management System
Independent study course introducing NIMS concepts used by agencies and organizations during incident response.
Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies
Federal preparedness information for understanding hazards, alerts, evacuation planning, and disaster basics.
American Red Cross First Aid Certification
First aid certification information and class search from the American Red Cross.
Immediate danger and crisis support
Start here when someone may be in immediate danger or a veteran, family member, or loved one needs urgent connection to trained crisis support.
Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.
Mental health and readjustment support
Support for stress, transition, readjustment, relationships, grief, and the pressure that can follow service or response work.
VA Mental Health Services
VA information on mental health care, treatment options, and how to access support.
Vet Centers
Community-based counseling centers for eligible veterans, service members, and families.
Make the Connection
Veteran stories and information about mental health, transition, and support options.
Alcohol, drug, and substance-use support
Resources for veterans and families looking for help with alcohol, drug, or substance-use concerns.
SAMHSA National Helpline
A national referral and information service for mental health and substance-use support.
VA Substance Use Treatment
VA information about substance-use care options and how veterans can seek support.
FindTreatment.gov
A treatment locator for mental health and substance-use services in the United States.
Family, caregiver, and loved-one support
Information for the people standing beside veterans before, during, and after difficult seasons or demanding volunteer missions.
VA Caregiver Support Program
Programs, resources, and support for family caregivers of eligible veterans.
VA Family Member and Friend Resources
VA mental health information for family members, friends, and loved ones.
Practical VA and community resources
Useful starting points for benefits, local care, VA facilities, and community-based support.
Find VA Locations
Search for VA medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers, cemeteries, and benefits offices.
A practical note
Train seriously. Respond responsibly.
Troops in Contact is not a crisis hotline, medical provider, or emergency service.
The mission is to build the first veteran-led natural disaster response team through training, certification, equipment discipline, and coordination with appropriate public-safety and community partners.
Sometimes the first step is getting connected to the right professional support. In an emergency, call 911 or follow local emergency-management instructions.