Disaster Services | Become a Disaster Volunteer | Volunteer Resources |
Serving as a disaster volunteer is one of the most exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities at the American Red Cross. Each year the Greater Toledo Area Chapter responds to more than 350 local disasters, the majority of which are home fires. Trained disaster volunteers on the Disaster Action Team (DAT) respond to these disasters at all hours of the day and night, assuring that the immediate needs of those effected by the disaster are met. Disaster volunteers can also become certified to serve nationally as a Disaster Services Human Resource (DSHR) team member.
As a disaster volunteer you have the ability to change a life - starting with your own! The first step in becoming a disaster volunteer is to fill out a volunteer application (PDF file) and successfully complete the basic disaster training courses offered by the Red Cross. Contact Gary Loboschefski, manager of Emergency Services, to begin your journey to delivering hope and help to those in need.
Disaster Courses Offered
Click here to download a PDF file of the Course Schedule for July-December 2011.
Disaster Services: An Overview
This
is an instructor-led, basic level course that provides an introduction to Disaster Services at the American Red Cross. The course engages participants through integrated video and interactive activities. The course has two modules; the second module is designed for chapters to customize with their local Disaster Services program information. The purpose of this course is to provide information about ways participants can help their community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. Participants also learn about volunteer opportunities at their local Red Cross chapter.
Length: Module one is 1 hour, 55 minutes in length (includes a 15-minute break). Module two is 1 hour, 30 minutes in length.
Attendance of the entire course (modules one and two) is required to earn a course certificate.
Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Shelter Operations / Shelter Simulation
These two courses prepare Red Cross paid and volunteer staff to effectively and sensitively manage shelter operations as a team and meet the needs of people displaced as a result
of a disaster. The second course (Shelter Simulation) provides the participants an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful shelter operation.
Total length: 6 hours
Prerequisite: Disaster Services: An Overview
Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance
Participants will learn and develop interviewing skills, knowledge, attitudes and relationships necessary to meet the disaster-caused needs of individuals and families. Participants will also learn how to plan, conduct, and document home visits.
Length: 6 hours
Prerequisite: Disaster Services: An Overview
Ready, Set, Roll – ERV Training
This course teaches participants about local and national Emergency Response Vehicle operations, including familiarization with the truck, standard operating procedures, paperwork, and safe driving practices. Course material includes an online Defensive Driving lession, video tape workshop and road test.
Length: 6 hours
Prerequisites: Disaster Services: An Overview
Participants must be a current Red Cross volunteer.
Logistics: An Overview / Logistics: Simulation
This 2-part course provides basic information about the activities and processes of the logistics function in support of a Red Cross disaster relief operation. Participants will learn about the skills, abilities, and knowledge needed of logistics workers. This second part of the course (Logistics: Simulation) will provide participants an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful logistical operation.
Length: 6 hours
Prerequisites: Disaster Services: An Overview
