As a long time volunteer for American Red Cross It takes a lot of leadership, coordination and different skill sets to run a successful disaster relief operation. For all the techies out there, we have disaster services technology (DST)
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Responding to Disasters
Since its founding, the Red Cross has provided aid and comfort to families touched by disasters all over the world.
The disaster environment now includes terrorism on a scale never before seen. As a result the Red Cross has launched a grassroots initiative that stresses prevention and readiness education to families, schools and businesses.
When a disaster strikes, the Red Cross responds immediately, without regard to cost. This requires ongoing training for employees and volunteers, sophisticated technology and equipment, and the purchase of food and shelter for families and volunteers.
In order to respond to disaster-caused needs, whenever and where ever they arise, the Red Cross must have resources in reserve. Whether those affected suffer a house fire in a Maryland neighborhood, a tornado in Arkansas or wildfires in California, they need help that is prompt and effective.
It takes a lot of leadership, coordination and different skill sets to run a successful disaster relief operation. One of the advantages of volunteering with the Red Cross is the great training. For all the techies out there, we have disaster services technology (DST).
Within hours of a disaster, a DST team goal is to set up connectivity to support the Red Cross relief effort. By using satellite technology, the team can network the operation quickly. Once the network is completed, DST will start issuing laptops and equipment such as cell phones, printers, fax machines and radios. They can set up a 100 seat office overnight.
All DST team members start with their local chapter. Once you become a volunteer with your local chapter, they’ll provide you with the basic disaster services training. If you express an interest in DST, you’ll get enrolled on a five-part training series called DST101.
To find your local Red Cross chapter click here