Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers are critically important - not just to the Red Cross - but to our community. They are part of a team that responds year-round, 24/7 to provide comfort, hope, and Red Cross services to those impacted by local emergencies including home fires, floods, storm damage, and other localized events.
During a response, teams of at least two responders are on the scene to meet with the impacted clients, assess the situation, and provide the appropriate assistance. DAT volunteers provide compassion, connections, and referrals to community and Red Cross services such as financial assistance, Mental Health, Health Services, and Spiritual Care.
Requirements:
- Must be compassionate, an active listener, and demonstrate impartiality.
- Must have basic computer skills, be comfortable using technology, and have access to a smartphone and/or computer with internet access.
- Valid drivers license for response and attend regularly scheduled team meetings.
Time Commitment:
- DAT volunteers commit to being on-call at least 6-8 shifts each month. The length of a shift varies by county (typically 6, 8, or 12 hours per on-call shift).
Training:
- Volunteers must complete 8 to 10 hours of required online training within 60 days of joining the team.
