Red Cross Disaster Action Teams

The volunteers who respond to disasters in our community are Disaster Action Team (DAT) members. Disaster Action Teams are the quick response unit of the Red Cross and they consist of trained volunteers that provide immediate emergency assistance to disaster victims. Last year, the American Red Cross Genesee-Lapeer Chapter assisted 474 families, with help from DAT members. 

Become a DAT member!  Volunteer Today!

There are four steps to becoming a Disaster Action Team member.

Step 1 - Meet the Requirements

DAT members must:

• Have a valid driver's
• Have transportation 
• Have a telephone
• Reside in Michigan's Genesee or Lapeer County
• Be at least 18 years old
• In good health
• Be willing to respond as needed in all types of weather and at all hours of the day or night

Step 2 - Call and volunteer

Call 810-232-1401 ext. 724 or 1-800-608-4272

Step 3 - Receive FREE training

Red Cross will provide all the necessary training.  A DAT team member is required to have the following training, at no charge to the volunteer:  Orientation to Red Cross, Introduction to Disaster, Disaster Team Training, Standard First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Mass Care, Shelter Operations, Damage Assessment, Family Service: Providing Emergency Service.

Step 4 - Go out and help.

DAT team members are some of our most dedicated volunteers.  They are on-call (after work hours) for a one week period on a rotating basis.