American Red Cross Greater Toledo Area Chapter - Emergency Services


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Become a Disaster Volunteer

Click on the PDF symbol above to see the current Disaster Services Training Schedule.
The first step in becoming a disaster volunteer is to fill out a volunteer application and successfully complete disaster training courses offered by the Red Cross. The disaster courses listed on this page are available to any community member who wishes to become a volunteer for Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties.

Trained disaster volunteers can serve on the local Disaster Action Team (DAT) and/or become certified to serve nationally as a Disaster Services Human Resource (DSHR) team member.

Disaster Courses offered by the Greater Toledo Area Chapter:

*Fulfilling the Mission: Translating Your Compassion into Community Action
This is a basic entry level instructor-led course which introduces potential disaster volunteers and members of other local agencies to the role of the Red Cross in the community’s actions in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters.The course will enable individual volunteers to translate their care and compassion for their community into action and provide information to other community agencies on Red Cross work and possible partnership in preparation for and response to a disaster. Length: 3 hours.

*Introduction to Disaster Services
Introduction to Disaster Servicesis an online course consisting of three separate learning modules that will introduce learners to American Red Cross Disaster Services.It allows them to discover how volunteers support this critical mission and to explore ways they can become involved in their local chapter.All new volunteers are required to take this course before advancing through other Disaster Services courses. Length: 45 minutes; The following is a link to take the course Introduction to Disaster Services.

*Community Services:An Overview
This course provides an overview of activities of the Mass Care function.Participants learn skills and abilities needed by Mass Care workers at the local level and larger disaster relief operations. Length: 3 hours; Prerequisite: Introduction to Disaster Services.

*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: Introduction to Disaster Services and Community 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: Fulfilling the Mission.

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 lesion, video tape workshop and road test. Length: 6 hours; Prerequisites: Introduction to Disaster Services and Community Services: An Overview.Participants must be current a Red Cross volunteer.

Weapons of Mass Destruction: An Overview
This national course informs participants of the definition of terrorism, threats and characteristics, American Red Cross response to incidents, what we’ve learned from past experiences, and preparedness activities. Length: 3 hours; Prerequisites: None.

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: Introduction to Disaster Services.

* Successful completion of these courses is required for DSHR membership.

For more information on becoming a disaster volunteer, or to register for a class, call the Readiness and Response office at (419) 329-2107 or send an e-mail message to Gary Loboschefski, Coordinator of Disaster Volunteers.