Disaster Action Team (DAT)

Do you like working with people? Do you like working on the front lines? Do you like problem solving and can you work with people from many different backgrounds and cultures? Have you considered joining the Disaster Action Team (DAT)?  

Learn how to become a DAT member and work with others providing emergency assistance in our community.

First, training, training, training. Contact the chapter by calling 203-787-6721 and then asking to speak to the Director of Volunteer Services and the Director of Emergency Services. They will set up a time to talk to you about your interests. Training classes will be discussed. Some of the courses are prerequisites for others. Members are required to take:

  • Introduction to Disaster Services
  • Client Services
  • Disaster Assessment
  • Mass Care Feeding
  • Shelter Operations
  • DAT Class

Other courses to consider are Logistics and the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). Courses range from 4 hours to 8 hours and are held at the Chapter throughout the year. 

Next, you are assigned to a DAT Team. You are on-call once a month for seven days, including one weekend. Have a conflict during your on-call time? Not to worry – just notify the Director of Emergency Services if you are not going to be available. However, DAT is a commitment to the chapter and the community.

Hands on experience…a call! Fires are the most common DAT responses. The call can be at 3pm or 3am! Upon request from the fire department, your Team Leader or Director notifies members of the on-call team. They will provide you with guidance and instructions. The team might meet at the Chapter House and drive the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to the scene or meet directly at the fire scene. After reviewing the damage with the fire department, the team interviews the displaced family members and determines their immediate needs for shelter, clothing, and food. The Disaster Action Team is able to provide vouchers according to these needs with local merchants. All new volunteers watch from behind the scene with a mentor until they feel comfortable to participate. We will teach you Red Cross policy and procedures. Safety is number one! 

I want more!...as a Red Cross volunteer, you decide your volunteer path. We are always looking for volunteers with leadership qualities to oversee a team, teach courses, train new volunteers, participate at a national level, and provide administration. You tell us what you want! It is a great feeling to be able to provide these services to people in their time of need. If this sounds like something you want to do, contact us for further information.