Disaster Action Teams (DATs) are volunteers who provide immediate emergency services to those affected by a disaster. Typically, a disaster is a fire in a single family home, but the DATs also respond to large-scale disasters such as floods and tornadoes. In addition to distributing blankets, clothing, toiletries and other necessary items to people who have experienced a fire, the volunteers help people find a place to stay and food to eat. Our DATs responded to more than 450 emergencies last year.

Who is the DAT?

DAT members are dedicated volunteers. They are able to be on call for designated shifts and respond quickly when called. DAT members volunteer for a variety of reasons and come from a variety of backgrounds including:

Retired persons
Business owners
Students
Teachers
Postal employees
Painters
Carpenters
Computer workers
Bank employees
Many others
Some DAT personnel have been helping for many years, others are just starting out. If you would like to join our volunteer family, contact us today! 

What DAT Does

DATs respond to verifiable requests for emergency assistance. These requests usually come from the police department, the fire department, or from Emergency Government. Usually the response is to a single family disaster, however the DAT assesses the disaster to determine if a greater response is needed.

The DAT then goes to the scene to assist our clients (those who have been in the disaster). We determine our clients' needs and insure that their immediate food, shelter, clothing, and emotional needs are met.

DAT Identification

All DAT members are easily identified by their clothing as well as by picture IDs. A DAT member wears a red jacket or red T-shirt and a white hard hat all emblazoned with Red Cross insignia.

Parades and Fun

Being involved with the DAT is not all work, we also do have fun. We meet for shift changes, when we exchange our equipment with those going on duty. A shift change usually is a busy, loud and lively time.

We take part in many area parades with our full equipment and gear. The crowd always gives the DAT many cheers when we march by.

Volunteer today!