The engagement of informal volunteers in disaster management in Europe

Informal volunteering is increasingly important in disaster management, but authorities remain cautious about collaborating with informal volunteers. Relatively little known the extent to which volunteers are integrated into European management systems. We try remedy this gap by examining Germany, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia, focusing on (1) policies institutional arrangements for integrating volunteers, (2) methods tools used their engagement, (3) presumed benefits challenges of involving management. 95 expert interviews combined desk research four online table-top exercises 2019–2020 analysis 11 cases show that systems these countries taking modest steps toward opening traditional command-and-control structures In Sweden where more common, engagement somewhat regulated, providing an opportunity formally insure them. Belgium not encouraged, formal encouraged. it done ad hoc basis. most studied, campaigns raise volunteers’ awareness support possibilities backed up practical training focuses primarily first aid. all countries, except social media has been inform, guide, or register The studied indicate response efficient when procedures volunteer exist.