Support Your Neighbors When Disaster Strikes: Volunteer with Our Disaster Action Team! Allegany County

Disaster Cycle Services – Allegany

Disaster Action Team (DAT) Specialist

Most of the 60,000 emergencies the Red Cross responds to each year are local, personal disasters — often home fires that can change a family’s life in minutes.

DAT volunteers are the frontline of compassion, providing emotional support, connecting families with emergency financial assistance, and sharing the critical information they need to begin their recovery.

As a DAT Specialist, you’ll respond to local disasters and offer immediate care, comfort, and hope to neighbors in your own county. Your presence can turn someone’s worst day into the first step toward healing.

Locations

Available throughout Allegany

Key Responsibilities

• Support neighbors in crisis with compassion, calm guidance, and a reassuring presence during moments of distress and uncertainty.
• Collaborate effectively with fellow volunteers while also working independently as needed.
• Respond to local disaster calls by gathering essential information from affected neighbors to help connect them with resources, support, and follow‑up services in the days ahead.
• Provide immediate relief by distributing comfort kits and offering on‑scene care.
• This work is done locally, supporting your own community members, and has a meaningful impact on their recovery.

Qualifications

• Comfortable using and learning new technology.
• Reliable access to a cell phone (able to receive texts), laptop, or computer.
• Commit to selected shifts in our scheduling system. Shifts are based on your availability, and your reliability ensures neighbors receive timely support when they need it most.
• Able to work in challenging conditions (poor air quality, uneven ground, adverse weather, etc.).
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to reach disaster scenes.
• All required training is provided by the Red Cross — completely free.

To see a current Disaster Action Team Member at work, please watch this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yamNDUbsn0&feature=youtu.be