October 8, 2024
By: Samantha Ferrer, volunteer writer

Passionate about positively impacting your community, but not sure how to? Join the Red Cross Disaster Action Team!

As expressed by Joe Norton, Capital-West Chapter volunteer, being a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder is incredibly satisfying, knowing that you can “make even the smallest difference in the lives of people who are hurting.”

Most of the 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are local, personal disasters like home fires. They may not make the news, but we know they are just as devastating to the families affected. Trained and available, Disaster Action Team volunteers are ready to respond to these emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From offering a shoulder to cry on, to meeting any immediate needs for shelter or supplies, to connecting people with long term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone.

Comfort kits, housing, and monetary aid are some of the resources that residents may receive, but it is the compassion of Red Cross volunteers like Joe Norton that offers the most comfort in such challenging times.

Joe has been a Red Cross volunteer for the past 19 years, and only recently became involved as a DAT responder. Despite being a part of the Disaster Action Team for only a year, Joe has demonstrated his passion for helping people through his various deployments for Mass Care and Sheltering at the regional and national level, in addition to responding to local disasters.

“Sometimes, we take what we have for granted. I recently answered a house fire call for a client in his mid 60’s who lived alone with his pet, which he lost in the fire. His pet was like family to him, which made a difficult situation even more heartbreaking. When answering calls,” expressed Norton, “it is very meaningful to me to be able to offer small but meaningful help and comfort to those who have suffered such loss.”

Despite the inspiring stories of healing told by DAT responders, the myths often make potential volunteers hesitant about the position. But don’t let the myths deter you! Joe shared his myth-busting perspective for those who are interested in joining the Disaster Action Team:  

Responding to DAT calls is safe. DAT volunteers are not exposed to any threats; they respond after disasters occur- not during. In the case that volunteers feel unsafe on-site when interacting with impacted residents, they have the choice to finish the response process remotely.

Responses in the middle of the night are rare. DAT volunteers do not often have to respond to late night calls. This only happens in the event of emergencies such as a house fire that displaces many residents. Usually, calls that occur at the late hours of the night can be responded to the following morning.

Disasters often bring horrible loss and grief, but they give us a chance to support our community and help those in need overcome difficult situations. Join the Disaster Action Team today, and become one of the Red Cross angels who brings comfort and care to those in suffering.