The Disaster Response Team (O.A.K. in Greek) of Messinia is a certified volunteer Civil Protection organization based in Kalamata, established in early 2009.

Our vision is to build a safe and resilient community, where volunteerism through education fosters a culture that reduces disaster risks and their impact.

Our mission is to protect lives and property, promoting prevention and timely response in close cooperation with the community and official authorities.

The operational area of our Team covers the wider Region of Messinia. Upon request from official agencies, we can also provide support outside Messinia.

We cooperate closely with official authorities — including the Civil Protection services of the Municipality and Region, the Hellenic Fire Service, the Coast Guard, the Police, and others — to assist in rescue operations and to provide aid to people and communities in need.

O.A.K. Messinia is certified and registered in the Registry of Volunteer Organizations (M.E.O.P.P.) of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, under Registry Number 0057-00-24.

Within the framework of Civil Protection, we promote preventive actions and measures for the safety of citizens and communities. We participate in public events, deliver educational talks in schools and local communities, and share preventive guidelines and emergency updates (e.g., wildfire prevention, severe weather warnings) through our website and social media channels.

We operate a fleet of firefighting vehicles of various categories, specialized vehicles, water-pumping units, a rescue boat, and emergency equipment, including rescue tools, emergency tents, generators, specialized pumps for water, mud, and flammable liquids, among others.

Our fleet and equipment have been acquired thanks to donations from businesses, institutions, citizens, and our own volunteers.

The use of specialized motorized vehicles enables rapid access and intervention in remote or hard-to-reach areas, as well as the transport of specialized teams (doctors, rescuers, firefighters) to locations in need.

Our volunteers receive basic training from the Civil Protection Academy (A.PO.P.) through the Hellenic Fire Service.

For us, volunteerism is inseparable from education. A core aim of O.A.K. is to develop and strengthen the spirit of volunteerism. We also offer educational programs and Fire Safety Academies for children — these Academies operate from September to June at our branch station on Nea Eisodos, Kalamata, every Saturday.

To support our mission, you can become an active Volunteer yourself or contribute through material or financial support.