Disaster Action Team Volunteers

As disasters devastate the lives and property of more and more individuals in our growing community, the Red Cross disaster relief services and the volunteers trained to provide them are needed now more than ever.

The York-Adams County Chapter has a small number of dedicated individuals who volunteer to assist victims of disaster as part of Disaster Action Teams (DAT).

The DAT is called to the scene of local disasters to determine the immediate emergency needs of the people affected. DAT volunteers work along side of fire fighters, police, and other emergency response personnel to assist disaster victims.

There are a number of volunteer opportunities within the DAT program. DAT volunteers provide vital disaster relief assistance ranging from: cooking a meal for displaced families, reading books to children, making damage assessments, opening shelters, issuing vouchers for food, clothing and lodging, arranging for mental health counseling, and handling other health-related needs.

How do I become an emergency response volunteer? 

To become a Disaster Action Team volunteer you must:

• be in good health
• be at least 16 years of age
• have the ability to work well with people
• be available to respond “on call” one full week each month from 4:30 pm-8:00 am. For those who are unable to work on this regular schedule, Day Team, Weekend Team, and Reserve List positions are available.

No special skills are required, just a willingness to help. Training and “on the job” mentoring are provided free of charge. The completion of six basic Red Cross courses is required.

To learn more about the DAT program or if you are interested in becoming a member of the DAT, please call the York-Adams County Chapter at 845-2751 or e-mail Jane Matthews at matthewsja@usa.redcross.org.