In many cases, people think of health insurance quotes, doctors and overall care when they have time to weigh different options. In the event of a natural disaster, such time is a luxury.

After a natural disaster, health professionals have to be screened in advance before they can donate their time. To make the volunteering procedure more streamlined, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response created a database where healthcare professionals can have their credentials approved in advance.

"ESAR-VHP saves time so we can make the most of volunteers' specialized medical skills when hours, even minutes, really matter," says Health and Human Services assistant secretary for preparedness and response Dr. Nicole Lurie. "Volunteering to help those in need during a disaster is an incredible act of compassion, and ESAR-VHP helps us get volunteers in place when they can make the biggest impact."

In the event of a natural disaster, the number of healthcare professionals needed is unknown. Having a database full of volunteers easily accessible can help increase speed and care to those in need.