Disaster Action Team-American Red Cross

American Red Cross Disaster Action Team Lead, Jim Collins, will be present to talk about the recent response to a large apartment fire, as well the process the Red Cross takes when a disaster occurs. 

What is the Disaster Action Team (DAT?) The Disaster Action Team (DAT) serves as the first, on-the-scene, Red Cross contact at the site of a disaster. While not considered first responders in the technical sense, DAT members are typically the first people at a disaster scene who provide comfort and direct assistance to help those who have been affected as they begin the recovery process. When disaster strikes, DAT members are generally dispatched in teams of two to three people: an experienced DAT Responder and one or more DAT members in training. Specific responsibilities include: • Conducting damage assessments of affected dwellings and determining habitability • Initiating casework to ensure that people have shelter, food and clothing to meet immediate needs after a disaster • Supporting the “Mass Care” function, including assisting with feeding and shelter operations for larger scale disaster responses.