Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers are the heart of American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. DAT members respond immediately to a disaster when called by emergency dispatch. Specially trained DAT volunteers assess the scope of the damage and meet with the affected family or families to determine their immediate disaster-related needs and ensure that those needs are met. Depending upon their individual needs, the Red Cross can provide assistance to disaster victims, helping them secure shelter, food, clothing, medical needs and mental health counseling.
Necessary Attributes:
• The willingness and availability to respond to emergencies anytime during their self-selected "on-call" shift • A sensitivity to people's needs in difficult situations
• The ability to work objectively and compassionately with diverse individuals
• Respect and concern for the people you serve and work with
• The ability to maintain confidentiality
• The ability to work well in a "team" environment
• DAT training is free, part of the American Red Cross disaster preparedness training. For more information on the classes that need to be taken to become a DAT member, see our course schedule.
