There are three types of Emergency Services Volunteers:

• Disaster Volunteer
• AFES Caseworker
• Project Share Caseworker   

Read on below to find which type work is best suited for you.

There are many ways you can help when disaster strikes.  Two major ways to help are by joining either our Disaster Action Teams (DAT) or our Disaster Services Human Resource System (DSHR).

DISASTER ACTION TEAM (DAT)

Our chapter's DAT volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to respond to the scene of local disasters such as home and apartment fires, tornadoes, floods, and other events.  Each team consists of  two to four volunteers and each member is equipped with a pager.  When Red Cross assistance is required, our local Emergency Management, Fire Department and/or 911 centers contact the DAT team by pager.  The team responds immediately to provide emergency assistance to families and emergency workers as well as perform damage assessment to further determine the need for mass care or shelter requirements. 

All on call DAT volunteers must initially complete CPR and Standard First Aid training, and Introduction to Disaster Services Course, Mass Care Overview, Damage Assessment Overview and Emergency Assistance to Families.  All disaster training and related health classes are free to our Disaster Volunteers.  If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, additional information regarding volunteering your time can be found on our Volunteers page.

DISASTER SERVICES HUMAN RESOURCE SYSTEM (DSHR)

In the event a larger calamity strikes such as a Hurricane, Tornado, or Tropical Storm, Red Cross can mobilize trained disaster workers from around the country on very short notice to help our local chapter assist people in need. As with the DAT volunteers, DSHR provides assistance to disaster victims, but on a much larger scale. These are volunteers that serve on large State and National assignments. Trained Red Cross interviewers meet one-on-one with individuals and families to determine their disaster caused needs and render Red Cross assistance.

The Red Cross also works with other community and government resources and refers clients needing long-term recovery assistance.

There are many functions or technical jobs that need to be filled by trained volunteers. Each function requires a minimum of 6-40 hours of training and the ability to commit 3 weeks of volunteer time per disaster.

ARMED FORCES EMERGENCY SERVICES (AFES) CASEWORKER

Help families get in touch with their loved ones in the military.  We greatly rely on our volunteer caseworkers to help us serve our Armed Forces twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 

PROJECT SHARE CASEWORKER

Help out during Project Share season; meet with the clients, check their qualifications over the phone, and assist clients with getting their utility bills paid.

For more information on any of these volunteer opportunities click here to register, or contact Wanda Sanford by e-mail or by phone at her office number (334) 260-4022.