DAT Team

Who are we?

The American Red Cross in St. Joseph County responds to local disasters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through its Disaster Action Team (D.A.T.). Always on call, D.A.T. volunteers provide disaster relief to meet the emergency needs of victims of house fires, storms, tornadoes, floods and many other types of disasters. Assistance needed by victims is evaluated by case workers and may include shelter, food, clothing, emotional support, household furnishings, prescriptions medication, and other critically needed items.

What do we do?

After an initial call from the fire department, disaster victim, family member or friend, Red Cross DAT members respond to disasters in teams of two or more people on a 24-hour a day basis, seven days a week. DAT members assist disaster victims with emergency and long-term needs. The team evaluates the extent of damage to determine how much assistance the victims will need. Victims are given vouchers made out to select vendors to replace essential items such as food and clothing, basic household appliances and furnishings, and medical and occupational supplies that are lost or destroyed in the disaster. During a large disaster, temporary shelters may be set up to provide disaster victims with a place to stay. Hundreds of meals may be served at one time to shelter occupants as well as emergency workers including firemen, power company workers, rescue workers and police.

Already a Red Cross volunteer who is interested in joining a DAT team?

Please contact:

Gena Robinson

Emergency Services Coordinator

(574) 234-0191 ex. 31

robinson@stjoe-redcross.org

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