A fire strikes in the middle of the night and the family escapes with only the clothes they are wearing. Heavy rain causes the Delaware River to flood, displacing families from their homes. An ice storm causes widespread power outages in the depth of winter, causing many people to seek shelter.

These disasters, and others like them, all have one thing in common- the Disaster Action Teams (DAT) of the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the scene to provide emergency assistance for those in need.

The Disaster Action Teams (DAT) are comprised of Red Cross volunteers who have made a higher level commitment to serve our community. DAT members are the “First Responders” of the Sussex County Red Cross chapter. These dedicated volunteers are on call nights, weekends, whenever needed to respond and provide emergency services to Sussex County residents.

Q. What is the Disaster Services Human Resource System (DSHR)?

A. It is the Red Cross Nationwide Human Resource System that provides trained, experienced disaster workers who help you and your neighbors recover from the devastation of a disaster.

Q. How can I be a part of the DSHR? (I don’t have much spare time!)

A. Here’s the good news! We need you right here in your own back yard. Nobody knows your community better than you do. We will work with you within your available time. All we ask for is the training time plus your commitment of being available one day a week to respond to a disaster operation in your community. It’s completely up to you.

Q. How Do I Become a DSHR Member? (I Don’t Know Anything about Disaster Response.)

A. That’s easy. Your local Red Cross Chapter provides all the training you need including First Aid and CPR. This is good training for you and your family. All you need is a valid driver’s license, good health and a willingness to be part of the team.

Q. What Do I Get Out of It?

A. You’ll make new friends, have exciting challenges, truly memorable experiences, make a difference in your community… and have advancement opportunities within the Red Cross.  If you have more time available (two to three weeks, usually) your local work experience is recognized and credited to for nationwide opportunities. You become a team member from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond. You decide.

If you would like to join a Disaster Action Team, or just want more information, please contact the Chapter office at 973-579-1600, or visit the office at 93 Spring St., Newton, NJ.

Be a volunteer help the community.