MARSHALL — It hasn’t gotten to that point yet, but local officials say they know that community volunteers could have an important role to play in the response to COVID-19. That’s why they’re reaching out to the public now – to build a list of contacts if volunteers are needed.

“I think it’s important that we try to work and collaborate with our community,” said Jim Marshall, public safety director for the city of Marshall. “We’re looking for volunteers on all different levels, and all different skill sets.”

On Thursday, the city of Marshall announced it was putting out an online signup for volunteers. The city and Lyon County are partnering to create a database of people the community could potentially call on in a time of need. Right now, it’s not certain what kind of volunteer opportunities will arise, but local officials say they want to be proactive.

Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes said community members have also been proactive about wanting to help during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We have had people inquiring for probably a week or so,” about how they can volunteer, Byrnes said. At this point, he said, “We’re really just establishing an inventory and contact list,” so local response leaders have an idea who they can call in area communities. The list will be held by the local emergency operations team, he said.

People who are interested in volunteering can fill out a short Google form at https://tinyurl.com/v63rudg. Organizers aren’t calling for specific kinds of volunteers, although the form does ask residents if they have first responder or medical training.

Marshall said he was looking forward to seeing what kind of response the sign-up gets. “Hopefully, we’ll get some traction with it,” he said.