Did you know the American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year? Were you aware that the majority of these emergencies are home fires?

Enter Red Cross Disaster Action Teams (DAT). For more than 60 years, these volunteers have been supporting their communities, responding to local emergencies and meeting the immediate needs of the people affected.

DAT teams provide 24-hour emergency response when local disasters occur, the ones that don’t make the national news. They know these emergencies are devastating to the people impacted and respond day and night to meet the immediate needs of their neighbors.

During FY 2026, Red Cross DAT teams were busy. Here’s a snapshot of their accomplishments:

• 16,594 DAT responders contributed 1.55 million hours of their time to help their neighbors
• DAT teams responded 66,261 times
• They opened 89,306 cases
• They served 240,093 clients
• They provided more than $64 million in financial assistance

WHAT DO DAT TEAMS DO? After a local emergency, like a single- or multi-family fire and other local events, Red Cross DAT volunteers work with fire departments to connect with families and provide help, such as a safe place to stay, financial assistance and emotional support. The services they provide are free and available to all those in need.

JOIN US For generations, people have stepped up to care for one another through the Red Cross. DAT volunteers do this every day. Home fires and other disasters aren’t rare exceptions ─ they can occur anytime, anywhere ─ and DAT teams will be there to help, comforting people in their greatest time of need.

Put on a red vest and join your local Disaster Action Team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.

You can also help with a financial donation ─ learn how here.