Disaster teams are made up of local volunteers who respond
to local disaster such as fires. The American Red Cross
has a disaster team on call every day of the year. A 24-hour
number (584-2999) rings to an answering service after
regular business hours. The Red Cross volunteer on call
receives word and summons additional volunteers to help
where they are needed.
Disaster teams volunteer in every county the Red Cross
serves.
Team members are proficient in shelter operation, casework
with clients, damage assessment and responding to local
incidents.
Teams comprise from one to 10 persons. Larger counties
such as Knox have more than one team.
They have the authority to provide assistance to clients
on the spot. Following Red Cross guidelines, the volunteers
decide the best course of action for every family a disaster
affects.
Sometimes residents decline an offer of assistance immediately
after a disaster, and then many hours later realize they
need help.
Whenever people decide to seek help, the Red Cross responds
immediately. Anyone can call on behalf of a client.
How the American Red Cross Helps
Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately
to more than 200 local disasters. The Red Cross responds
to fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials
spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other
natural or man-made disasters.
When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides
shelter, food, clothing and health and mental health services
to the people affected. The Red Cross also feeds emergency
workers, handles inquiries from concerned family members
outside the disaster area and helps those affected by
disaster to access other available resources.
For more information on being a part of a Red Cross Disaster
Team, call 865-584-2999.
