The Red Cross collects 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. It serves the military--active and retired. It teaches first aid and water safety. But what it is best known for, is bringing relief to victims of disasters.

In fact, the Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year—most are as small as fire in a single-family house, but some as vast as a flood or a hurricane, involving thousands of victims.

So, what’s it like being a Red Cross disaster responder? Who can do it? What training is involved? What skills and physical attributes are required? Can you work from home, or will you have to deploy to some far-off location? Virtually all Red Cross disaster responders are volunteers--but Is disaster response the right fit for you?

For answers, we turned to Ryan McAllister,  disaster program manager in the Northwest Washington Red Cross chapter, based in Everett. Ryan came to the Red Cross two years ago after many years in the fire service. We asked him who should volunteer for disaster response, “Anyone with a willingness to help their neighbor,” he said. Asked about the physical and mental demands of response, his answer is, "There is a place for everyone in response, no matter what your skill level or physical condition.”

For many, the path to disaster response begins
as a member of a Disaster Action Team (DAT)--the men and women who respond to local disasters and the most needed volunteer position in the Northwest Region. To become and serve as a DAT volunteer, you are trained to provide emotional support, financial assistance, information and referrals to help families begin the process of recovery. Shifts include responding promptly to emergencies, night or day, rain or shine. These local shifts also help volunteers develop skills they may choose to apply to larger-scale disaster response efforts with the Red Cross. 

Ryan says the average Washington chapter will
respond five times a week. “In flood season we may respond twice that often,” he says. That’s not the only seasonal variable. Cold temperatures increase the likelihood of home fires, while the heat of summer raises the risk of wildfires.

“A disaster scene can be pretty intimidating,” Ryan admits, but offers this reassurance, “It takes two people to open a disaster case. We use the partner system so no one goes out alone. You always have a partner watching your back.”

Help can’t wait during emergencies. Our mission wouldn’t be possible without these community heroes. During our annual Red Cross Month celebration in March, we honor their commitment to supporting people in need.

Hear firsthand why others have volunteered in this role. Training is free and the experience is priceless.

 Answer the call this March. To learn more, visit: www.redcross.org/volunteertoday