About Us> Disaster Action Teams

The Disaster Action Team (DAT) unit is a local Red Cross chapter’s “first responders”. DAT members respond to the scene of the disaster incident to provide immediate assistance to clients, gather information for potential further Red Cross involvement, and make the initial contact with local emergency officials.

DAT members may also provide leadership during disaster relief operations, participate on internal and external committees, and mentor new volunteers to the disaster service.

DAT members must:

• Have reliable transportation
• Have a valid state drivers license
• Successfully pass a criminal history background check
• Have access to Internet and maintain a valid email address
• Have phone access (i.e. landline or cell)
• Be able to perform duties under possible adverse conditions
• Be willing to function individually and in a team environment
• Be willing to attend monthly DAT meetings, initial and ongoing training events when available

Other support services that DAT members provide are:

• Disaster assessment
• Warehousing
• Computer operations
• Financial operations
• Logistics
• Mass Care (sheltering & feeding)

DAT members are a vital link between public safety departments and their local Red Cross chapter. DAT members have a wide variety of personal and professional backgrounds which means that no DAT unit is identical.

If you are interested in becoming a disaster volunteer, please contact our chapter Volunteer Coordinator at (715) 344-4052 or by email at blood@charter.net and request the application material. Once you have returned the chapter application material and successfully completed your background check, you will be contacted by the Emergency Services Department for further instructions.