WAsafe volunteers include registered engineers and architects, building inspectors, and other trained professionals. Qualified volunteers enroll in WAsafe via WAserv, Washington State’s Emergency Registry of Volunteers. WAsafe Identification cards are issued to WAsafe members.
To enroll or update your registration in WAsafe, access the WAserv system using this link:
Use the How To Enroll in WAsafe guide to assist you through the self-enrollment process.
The majority of WAsafe volunteers serve as Building Safety Evaluators. They are the boots-on-the-ground who perform post-disaster building safety assessments.
To qualify as a WAsafe BSE, complete a WAsafe Building Safety Evaluator class. Alternatively, for first-time enrollment in WAsafe, completing the "WAsafe Program and Processes" module PLUS one of the following classes:
For those who are already active Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluators registered under the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) or Oregon Safety Assessment Program (OrSAP), you may be qualified to become a WAsafe volunteer after you complete the “WAsafe Program and Processes” module. For Cal OES SAP Evaluators, WAsafe accepts only original training or renewal completed in 2023 or earlier. If this applies to you, start your WAsafe enrollment in the WAserv system, then request access to the module through the Contact Us page.
For more information about training requirements and upcoming classes, see the Get Training page.
Because WAsafe volunteers have a wide range of backgrounds and experience, each Building Safety Evaluator is assigned a “BSE Type.” See the BSE Types Table, which shows the anticipated duties and limitations corresponding to an individual’s qualifications.
Some WAsafe BSEs also serve as WAsafe Coordinators. These Coordinators contact and dispatch WAsafe volunteers to jurisdictions that have requested BSE assistance,.
In addition to the WAsafe BSE qualifications, WAsafe Coordinators should take the “State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Foundations” training. This class is an introduction to how the SEOC functions during an activation (emergency) and how resources such as WAsafe volunteers are requested, deployed, and tracked. Completing the SEOC Foundations training is mandatory for a WAsafe Coordinator-in-Charge, the lead Coordinator for responding to an event.
If you are interested in becoming a WAsafe Coordinator or WAsafe Coordinator-in-Charge, let us know using the Contact Us page.
Local agencies or AHJs who need assistance with on-site administrative or logistics support for building safety evaluator teams may request a WAsafe On-Site Leader (OSL). The WAsafe OSL may assist the AHJ with assigning WAsafe volunteers to work that is consistent with the WAsafe Types or the professional qualifications and physical capabilities of the volunteers, assist with deployment assignments, and provide guidance on placarding and setting priorities for building safety assessments.
In addition to being a WAsafe BSE, a WAsafe OSL needs to have a solid understanding of the Incident Command System and the WAsafe program. Previous experience conducting building safety evaluations would be helpful, too, FEMA offers online, independent study courses on the incident Command System. It is highly recommended for WAsafe OSLs to take the two trainings: IS-100: “Introduction to the Incident Command System” and IS-200 “Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response”. See the Resources page for additional FEMA IS-trainings.
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