Jane Chen / Shanghai Daily news

More than 300 local residents have formed a volunteer group, the nation's first of its kind, in Minhang District to help the city in case of an earthquake, today's Shanghai Morning Post reported.

Not only observing and keeping record of abnormal natural phenomena such as dog barking and well water rolling that may precede an impending earthquake, the volunteers will help with search and rescue work in case of a quake.

They will also assist in case of other disasters such as chemical gas leak and epidemic outbreak.

Having received professional anti-disaster training, the volunteers will teach people in the neighborhood how to protect themselves in a quake as well as how to rescue the others trapped.