What should I do about a safety concern or emergency?
In an emergency, call 911. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988. For other concerns, such as harassment or unsafe conditions at a shift, tell a Volunnear coordinator.
Fictional policy for a demo non-profit. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.
Who this applies to
This applies to volunteers, parents, and anyone who feels unsafe before, during, or after a shift.
How it works
- If you or someone else may be in danger, call 911 first.
- If you are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988.
- Once you are safe, tell the assistant you want a coordinator.
- Say where it happened, which organization, and when.
- A coordinator follows up with the organization.
What to know
- 911 is for emergencies and 988 is the crisis line.
- The assistant gives these numbers and hands you to a person.
- The assistant does not give medical advice.
- In a crisis the assistant does not search for opportunities.
- Report harassment or unsafe conditions at a shift to a coordinator.
- Coordinator hours are weekdays, nine to five Eastern, so do not wait for a coordinator in an emergency.
An example
Sam in Manhattan sees another volunteer fall and hurt an arm at a shift, so he calls 911. Later that week he tells the assistant the floor was left wet and unmarked. A coordinator follows up with the organization about the unsafe conditions.
What we cannot do
- Respond to an emergency itself.
- Give medical advice.
- Promise how fast a coordinator will answer.
Need a person?
Ask for a coordinator for any non-emergency concern. Say "I want to report an unsafe situation at my shift."